League of Women Voters of Michigan hosts panel on election certification process

submitted by Mary Seelhorst, League of Women Voters of Washtenaw County

Election experts joined the League of Women Voters of Michigan recently to discuss the role of the Board of State Canvassers and its process for certifying elections in Michigan.

With Election Day coming up on Nov. 8 and past attempts to undermine the integrity of the election certification process, it is important for the League to offer information on the nonpartisan certification process. Armed with an understanding of how the election is certified, voters can confidently participate in democracy.

“Michigan’s election certification process is an important ministerial one that many Michigan voters aren’t aware of, and an important part of the League’s mission is to educate voters, so we were proud to offer this vital information to voters,” said Paula Bowman, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Michigan.

Expert panelists included Chris Thomas of the Bipartisan Policy Center and former Michigan Director of Elections; Jeff Timmer, former Republican member of the Board of State Canvassers; Julie Matuzak, former Democratic member of the Board of State Canvassers; and John Pirich, retired election attorney at Honigman LLP.

“Our expert panelists reaffirmed that Michigan’s election certification process is simple: to carry out the will of the voters by certifying the results of the election,” said Christina Schlitt, co-president of the League. “The board members simply look at the numbers, tabulate them, and determine the successful candidate.”

A recording of the discussion is available to watch online.

The League of Women Voters of Michigan is the state league for the U.S. League of Women Voters, which is a nonpartisan political organization that aims to encourage informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Learn more at lwvmi.org.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.