The Michigan Board of Canvassers today cut public comment from 3 minutes to 1 minute, after allowing friends of the board to use up much of the public comment time.
The following is my full statement regarding #Michigancertification of the 2020 vote.
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The following is my full statement regarding #Michigancertification of the 2020 vote.
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The citizens of the State of Michigan - as well as citizens throughout this nation - have long fought to defend their right to vote. For better or for worse, the drafters of the US Constitution reserved the power over voting rights to the states.
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Entrusting voting rights to the states has permitted racism, sexism, xenophobia, corporatism, and general corruption by many to interfere with the rights of each person to equal protection under the law.
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Women, Black and other persons of color, incarcerated persons, students, LGBTQ+, and the homeless all have suffered disenfranchisement under the misuse of our state and federal election laws. Those same groups are at risk today in Michigan and across the nation.
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The not-so-thinly-veiled accusation by certification opponents that the predominately Black population of Detroit has falsified its vote totals is yet another in a long line of baseless, racist tropes meant to disenfranchise Detroit citizens.
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Charles Spies said earlier today that he doesn't care whether you call it an "audit" or a "review". Well, the law cares, and so do the voters whose votes are protected under the law. As an attorney, Mr. Spies should, too.
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The authority of the Board of Canvassers is limited to what is specifically granted by law. I respectfully submit that the Board may not infer additional powers as some today urge you to do. Countless court decisions confirm that fact.
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Long ago, the public ceased to trust its government. We have watched as Republicans and Democrats alike manipulated voting districts, voter registration laws, and primary and general elections. Today, the world is watching Michigan.
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This Board has an opportunity to take a first step - and it is merely one step - to restore confidence in our elections. Please certify the vote of Michigan voters, as required by your appointments. Leave the courts to do the rest.
#MichiganBoardofCanvassers @JocelynBenson
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#MichiganBoardofCanvassers @JocelynBenson
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