Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills into law on Monday that “modify the requirements for conducting ballot recounts and prosecuting election-related crimes,” effective immediately.
The question of whether the 2020 election was rigged is still up for debate among Democrats and Republicans, which makes the signing of these bills controversial because Michigan was at the center of it.
“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,” said Democratic Senator Stephanie Chang.
According to an article by the New York Post, in addition to other changes, the laws will eliminate the board of canvasser’s investigative powers, requiring the board to bring any allegations of fraud to a county prosecutor rather than simply recounting. In addition, a recount would only take place if the alleged errors would lead to different election results.
In a statement, Whitmer said the changes ensure "fair and free elections that make sure the winner can take office without unnecessary interference.”
The new laws also up the requirements for a public petition for a recount, and increases the amount a person must pay to request a recount.
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Many observers see this move by Whitmer as a response to issues raised during the 2020 election, effectively removing the possibility of a recount if election legitimacy is questioned.
Republican Representative Jamie Green expressed concerns about the bills.
“Watering down protections is counterproductive when several red flags have arisen within the state’s elections process,” Green said.
The handling of elections has been a contentious issue for years, and the aftermath of the 2020 election has amplified these concerns. The creation of bills like these should raise alarms among the public, as they represent a potentially risky path forward.
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