Investigation Launched After 100 Michigan Absentee Ballots Mysteriously Vanish

Authorities in Grand Rapids, Michigan, are investigating the sudden disappearance of 100 absentee ballots that were sent out to voters on September 26. The ballots, intended for residents in the city’s northwest, have not arrived, prompting concerns about the security of the mail-in voting process.

Grand Rapids City Clerk Joel Hondorp said it’s not unusual for a few ballots to be lost in the mail, but 100 ballots missing at once has raised alarms. Hondorp assured voters that replacement ballots are on the way and that the original ballots have been voided to prevent any duplicate voting.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is assisting in the investigation to find out where the ballots may have gone. In the meantime, Hondorp recommended that voters track their absentee ballots through Michigan’s official voting website to confirm their status.

This situation has led to renewed concerns about the integrity of absentee voting, especially given the heightened focus on mail-in ballots in recent years. The city clerk’s office has sent out 32,000 absentee ballots for the upcoming election, but the missing ballots have led some voters to question the process.

Hondorp encouraged voters to remain patient as the investigation continues and to report any further issues. He added that ensuring all votes are counted is the top priority, and the city is taking steps to prevent this from happening again.