Livingston Today

State Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township) understands elections, having served for 16 years as Brighton Township Clerk.

Michigan’s elections are “safe and secure, and local clerks have made adjustments to prepare for an expected increase in absentee ballots -- despite comments from state and federal officials that seem to imply otherwise,” Bollin said, according to Michigan House Republicans.

“Our hardworking local clerks are on the front lines making sure we have secure elections and that the people of Michigan can vote safely,” the legislator told Michigan House Republicans. “Between the addition of no-reason absentee voting and the precautions people are taking due to COVID-19, we all expect to see an increase in absentee ballots. Our local clerks are making adjustments to address that, and I have confidence in their abilities to do their jobs well on Election Day.”

As local clerks prepare for a jump in absentee ballots, Bollin has also introduced legislation to make their jobs easier while maintaining safeguards.

Under House Bill 5123, any city or township with more than two precincts and fewer than 6,000 voters would create an “absent voter counting board” that would work only on processing mail-in ballots on election day. Currently, theses boards are optional. The legislation has the support of the Michigan Secretary of State.

Bollin is also sponsoring legislation making it a felony, rather than a misdemeanor, to put another person’s information on an absentee ballot application.

Bollin wants more funding from the Secretary of State’s general fund to be used for election equipment used to process and count ballots. Federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act funding should be directed to local governments administering the election, she said.

“We all must work together to fend off naysayers by supporting our clerks, informing voters and following our tried-and-true election laws,” the legislator told Michigan House Republicans.

She urged anyone with election concerns to contact her office by calling 517-373-1784 or emailing AnnBollin@house.mi.gov.