The Michigan Electoral Bureau recommends disqualifying half of the major Republican candidates for Governor of Michigan because of their false signatures on candidates ’petitions.
The Bureau, in a report Monday, designated 36 people who circulated petitions from candidates “filed fraudulent petitions consisting entirely of false signatures.” If the two -party Michigan Board of State Canvassers votes in favor of accepting the Bureau’s report on Thursday, Aug. 5, five of the GOP’s top 10 gubernatorial candidates will be disqualified.
“Following the Bureau’s review of ballot papers submitted by fraudulent signatories, it was found that many candidates did not have adequate motion for these elections,” the report said. He added that the office will notify police of suspected fraud.
Although false signatures on candidates ’petitions are rare, the Michigan Bureau said this is the first time it has seen wholesale fraud.
“The Bureau is unaware of any other election cycle where so many duplicators have filed a huge number of fraudulent petitions, consisting of false signatures, nor have they affected as many candidates as their current doing, “the report said.
The report is aimed at Republican Governor James Craig, Perry Johnson, Michael Brown, Michael Mark Jr. and Donna Brandenburg. According to M Live.
There is no reason to suspect that candidates or activists “knew about the activities of fraudulent signatories,” the report said.
According to the cited Electoral Bureau news, this year’s election is concerned with the lack of turnover of petitions due to the increase in petitions from candidates and fewer face-to-face numbers. Reports also say the cost of collecting signatures is four times the $ 20 each.
“Regardless of the level at which candidates are considered before submitting petitions, the Bureau’s recommendation to the Council is based on the number of valid signatures remaining after review,” the Electoral Bureau report continued.
Some of the candidates concerned were opposed to the disqualification recommendation.
“I’m in danger,” said Greig Volpe 2. “You know what’s so sad about that? The people of Michigan need to say who should lead their state, fairly and directly. “
“I can’t prove anything right now, but I’ll get to the end because they want me to leave,” Grigg continued.
Political strategist John Job, who worked on Johnson’s campaign, was criticized on Twitter.
“The Democratic Secretary General has no right to unilaterally remove any signatures obtained from alleged scammers who have been victims of the five campaigns,” Job wrote.
“We strongly believe that they are refusing to count the thousands of signatures of legitimate voters who have signed the petitions and we hope to win this battle in council and, if necessary, in the courts,” Job added. .
The general secretary of Democrats has no right to unilaterally cancel any signatures obtained by alleged scammers who have been victims of five election campaigns.
– John Job (@ Strategic) May 24, 2022
The winner of the GOP primary in the November general election will face Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who will face the Democratic primary.
Source: Huffpost
