“We have several different ballots going all the way back to the 1880’s. We’ve got a couple different voting booths: one from the 1950’s and one from I believe 2000. Then we’ve got two different ballot boxes: one from the 1930’s here in Grand Rapids, and one from the 2000 election.”
Alex Forist, the Grand Rapids Public Museum Chief Curator, pulled those artifacts from the Community Archives and Research Center to showcase in an event highlighting voting history and what it has in common with today’s elections.
“Paper, paper, paper. Paper seems old-fashioned. It seems antiquated but it is the key to having accurate and secure elections.”
Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons spoke at the event, emphasizing that public trust in election security is based on education, participation and transparency. Paper ballots have always played an important role.
“Our paper ballots always ensure there’s a paper record - a trail - to go back and audit, to count and recount. It is so critical. It’s one of the most important checks and balances we have. “
For more on election security, or to find out where and how to participate in early in-person voting, residents can check the state website at michigan.gov/vote.
