Michigan Gov Gretchen Whitmer mocked as she signs controversial election recount and fraud bills into law
LANSING, MICHIGAN: Following the passage of two contentious bills into law on Monday, July 8, Gov Gretchen Whitmer altered the way that Michigan handles claims of election fraud and recounts, according to the New York Post.
Notably, the procedures for carrying out ballot recounts and penalizing election-related offenses are altered by Senate bills 603 and 604.
Gretchen Whitmer signs election recount and fraud bills into law
Sponsor state Sen Stephanie Chang said, "Today, with the signing of our common-sense recount law reforms, we are strengthening our democracy and ensuring that we reach the most accurate count of the ballots possible during a recount process."
Chang added, "These laws achieve critical goals of protecting the security of every vote, modernizing our recount process, and uplifting the voices of Michigan voters."
Notably, the bill, among other things, will strip the board of canvasser of its investigation authority and mandate that it report any fraud claims to the appropriate county prosecutor rather than carrying out a recount.
Moreover, a recount could only be justified in cases where there are purported mistakes that have the potential to alter the outcome of the election. It would also revise numerous rules for clerks, raise the deposit required to file a recount petition, and alter the guidelines for penalties for election law infractions.
State Senator Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, who co-sponsored the bill with Chang said, "For years, clerks and candidates have demanded reforms and updates to Michigan’s 70-year-old recount law so every valid ballot can be subject to a recount in close races."
Moss added, "This legislation will strengthen the integrity of our voting systems and ensure the accuracy of election results."
The removal of safeguards against election worker meddling and the elimination of the canvassers' investigative authority, according to opponents, will make it more difficult to combat fraud and jeopardize election security.
Rep Jaime Greene, R-Richmond said, "Watering down protections is counterproductive when several red flags have arisen within the state’s elections process. For example, there being no system to tell if someone votes in multiple states, a real issue facing the state of Michigan as evidenced by the secretary of state removing some 170,000 people no longer living here from our voter rolls only after she was sued."
Notably, the August primary races will be governed by the new legislation, which goes into force immediately.
Internet takes jibes at Gretchen Whitmer for signing election recount
Several internet users slammed Gretchen Whitmer as she signed controversial election recount, and fraud bills into law. A user wrote on X, "They’re never gonna stop cheating," while one added, "Hey, look a Democrat making it easier for Democrats to cheat in elections!"
Hey, look a Democrat making it easier for Democrats to cheat in elections!
— RFK Jr's brain worm 🪱 (@deadbrainworm) July 10, 2024
A person also stated, "So, if there are any concerns about election fraud, instead of specialized election fraud investigators, the concerns need to be sent to county prosecutors, and THEY will determine if an investigation is merited. Is this correct?" whereas one mentioned, "A cheater bill!"
So, if there are any concerns about election fraud, instead of specialized election fraud investigators, the concerns need to be sent to county prosecutors, and THEY will determine if an investigation is merited. Is this correct?
— CBC (@ChBinNYC) July 10, 2024
And are these the same prosecutors who no longer… pic.twitter.com/DRzQT4vMyM
A user also wrote, "They know they need to lie, cheat and steal."
Another added, "Gretchen Whitmer is an evil person."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.