The event, titled Great Lakes State Election Security: A Bipartisan Town Hall on Michigan Elections featured panelists such as former members of Congress, Republican Fred Upton and Democrat Mark Schauer, as well as Kent County Clerk, Republican Lisa Posthumus Lyons and Michigan Secretary of State, Democrat Jocelyn Benson, who spoke with WGVU on why these forums are so important.
“Well, we’re living in an era of misinformation, where a lot of leaders or politicians spread misinformation about our elections in an effort to sow seeds of doubt and damage confidence in our processes, challenge election results they don’t like, or otherwise delegitimize what are accurate, secure elections.”
Last night’s forum, which was open to the public, engaged citizens to deepen their understanding of how elections are run in the state, build confidence in these processes, and provide them with information to share with their neighbors, peers, and constituents.
“We should be able to accept election results even if we disagree with them and I hope in the near future we can get back to that moment where we see more statesmen leading the way in both parties that will respect the will of the people.”
Secretary Benson says she hopes attendees of the forum have a better understanding of the steps and precautions taken by officials in securing an honest and fair election process.
