Election integrity, transparency discussed with voters in Upper Peninsula

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN) — As part of a statewide tour, representatives from two non-partisan Michigan organizations visited Marquette and Escanaba on Wednesday in a collaborative effort to educate voters on the elections process.

Representatives from Keep Our Republic (KOR) and Michiganders for a Civic Resilience (MCR) are making five stops on the tour from August 27-29. Their first stop was Traverse City.

Former Michigan House Democrat Leader Christine Greig and former Michigan Republican Senator and House Representative Tonya Schuitmaker are representing MCR.

Representing KOR is Executive Director Ari Mittleman.

Joining the representatives in conversation is Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons.

“As we embark on our Northern Michigan Community Conversation Tour throughout Michigan, we hope citizens will find renewed energy and restored faith about the election process,” said Mittleman.

Tour conversations focus on election integrity and transparency.

Marquette attendees raised questions about student voters, the Qualified Voter File, safeguarding against ballots cast for deceased people, and early voting and voter pre-registration.

Another focal point of the conversation in Marquette was election results reporting.

“There are never any results reported or transmitted to the county prior to the polls closing [on Election Day],” said Posthumus Lyons.

“Waiting for results isn’t a delay in the process. It is the process,” she added.

After meeting with Marquette residents from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Marquette Township Hall, the representatives traveled to Escanaba for an evening event from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Ludington Park Pavilion.

There are two stops remaining on the tour: Cheboygan and Alpena. Representatives will visit with residents there August 29.

From noon to 1:30 p.m. August 29, Cheboygan residents can meet with the representatives for their tour stop at Cheboygan Opera House. In the evening, from 5:30-7:00 p.m., the tour will make its final stop at Alpena Community College.

The tour is free and open to the public.

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