Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) is calling for greater transparency in Michigan’s mail-in ballot process after Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson failed to clarify whether election challengers can observe the initial stages of ballot verification. Steil, who leads the Committee on House Administration, sent a letter to Benson on September 13, requesting confirmation that observers could be present during key steps, such as verifying voter registration and signatures.
Steil’s concerns stem from reports that some Michigan clerks are not allowing observers to monitor the first phase of mail-in ballot processing. While Benson’s office responded by the September 23 deadline, Steil expressed frustration with the lack of clarity. He argued that “secure and fair elections” depend on ensuring transparency throughout the entire process.
Michigan has a two-step system for processing mail-in ballots: the first involves clerks verifying voter information, and the second is the actual counting of the ballots. Steil’s primary concern is that the initial verification phase, where potential fraud or mistakes could occur, is not being properly monitored by election challengers.
Michigan Fair Elections Founder Patrice Johnson pointed out that some clerks are taking ballots home to process them due to the overwhelming volume of mail-in votes. This practice, which is done without oversight, raises concerns about the chain of custody and whether proper verification procedures are being followed. Johnson stressed that this lack of transparency could allow bad actors to exploit the system.
Steil has vowed to continue pushing for greater oversight of mail-in voting, particularly in swing states like Michigan, where transparency is key to ensuring a fair election. He emphasized that voters deserve to have confidence in the integrity of the election process, especially with the growing use of mail-in ballots across the country.
