Michigan Opens Voter Transparency Hotline & Website For Midterm Elections
There have been rising concerns over election transparency in the U.S. over the past decade, growing sharply after the 2016, and 2020 Presidential Elections.
So, many states have implemented Voting transparency policies, and in the case of Michigan, a hotline that concerned citizens can call into.
Mark Totten, who is a U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan launched this hotline and website for voting transparency that will allow voters to get information on what is, and is not acceptable (or legal) at a polling place, and a way to report any suspicious activity.
Ottawa County Clerk Justin Roebuck recently spoke to WWMT on what he sees during an election.
"The process of getting election results and certifying election results happens in a very bipartisan and a very transparent way under Michigan Law across the entire state." - Justin Roebuck via WWMT
But many residents and voters have growing concerns over actual transparency from the parties in charge. Another man, Tony Daunt, who is the chair of the Board of State Canvassers said the recent actions of those denying the outcome hasn't been good for the election process.
"The way things have moved over the last several cycles, it's unfortunate that if you disagree with the results, you cast doubt on those results and it was taken to an entirely ne malignant level this last time in 2020." - Tony Daunt via WWMT
So how do you insure safe, open, and transparent voting process? You open a hotline, and website like Totten has.
His Assistant U.S. Attorney, Justin Presant, will lead the office's effort to deal with election day complaints, spanning from voting rights concerns, or threats of violence, and election fraud.
Anyone who sees any of these taking place at a voting location can call the hotline at (616) 808-2140, or visit the Election Concern Website.
But they also encourage anyone who witnesses threats of violence to contact the authorities immediately.
So far, Michigan has seen a record number of absentee ballots, and mail-in ballots returned for the midterm election on Tuesday.