Michigan
A free, public tool identifying and examining the impact of election deniers serving in local offices working on election administration. Learn more about our election threat criteria here.
73 public officials in Michigan have credibly participated in election denial activities.
Just in the state house, they represent 24% of the state’s constituents.
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12
Michigan State SenatorsElection deniers as senators may pass biased laws and endorse appointees that erode electoral integrity and democratic principles.
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31
Michigan State RepresentativesElection deniers in the State House risk enacting laws that can undermine fair voting processes and democratic integrity.
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1
County ClerkElection-denying county clerks have the potential to compromise election administration, including compliance with election laws and voter registration.
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2
County SheriffsElection-denying sheriffs could misuse law enforcement authority, compromising fair legal processes and public trust in justice.
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18
Township ClerkElection-denying township clerks have the potential to compromise election administration, including compliance with election laws and voter registration.
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1
County Treasurer & County Election CommissionerElection deniers as County Treasurer may bias budgets and public services, undermining democratic accountability and community trust.
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4
County Board of CommissionersElection deniers as commissioners or council members may misuse public funds or interfere illegally in elections, ultimately compromising election integrity.
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4
County Canvassing Board MemberElection deniers on the County Canvasser Board have influence on the certification and election returns for all national, state and local offices in their county which may undermine the integrity of the election results.
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In 2020, President Joe Biden won Michigan by 154,188 votes.
5,547,186 voters cast ballots in Michigan for President.
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In 2020, Governor Gretchen Witmer won Michigan by 469,870 votes.
4,461,972 voters cast ballots in Michigan in 2022 for Governor.
Michigan voter turnout by county
Michigan voter turnout by county
2 pieces of election threat legislation
Michigan election threats have introduced legislation that would make it difficult to vote. Here are 2 bills you should know about:
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SB 303
This bill would impose stricter voter ID and signature matching requirements on Michigan voters.
Supported by 29 Election threats.
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HB 4127/4128
These bills would have impose stricter voter ID and signature matching requirements on Michigan voters who haven't voted in recent elections.
Supported by 21 Election Threats
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Election Threats
44% are in favor of anti-democratic legislation
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Tom Antor
Kent County Board of Commissioners | District 2
Evidence of Election Denialism
In 2020, Antor made unsubstantiated claims of election fraud on his personal Facebook account saying, “Wow…. how many more poll workers need to come forward before the AG gets involved in the train wreck in Detroit? The testimony in Lansing is incredible…..blatant, cheating in plain site except the poll watchers couldn’t watch. Premeditated felonies being dismissed as “clerical” errors by the SOS. This is nothing short of treason… Where the hell is the media??”
Potential Impact
As a member of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, Antor is responsible for overseeing key legislative functions, has the power to appoint members of local government within his county, and oversees programs that impact public welfare. Spreading misinformation through baseless claims of voter fraud has the potential to harm public trust in the democratic process, needlessly confuse voters, and delay confirmation of election results.
Candidacy
Likely to run for reelection in 2026Selected Sources
Antor won 8,149 votes in his most recent election in 2024.
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Andrew W. Beeler
State Representative | District 64
Evidence of Election Denialism
Signed a letter urging Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to investigate “crimes related to fraud committed in the 2020 election and crimes brought to light in the documentary 2000 Mules.”
Potential Impact
As a state representative, Beeler is expected to uphold ideals of honesty and ethical behavior in the electoral process. Needlessly advocating for investigations based on debunked theories can lead to unnecessary restrictions on voting processes, eroding trust in electoral integrity.
Candidacy
Likely to run for reelection in 2024.Selected Sources
Beeler won 23,216 votes (61.3%) in his most recent election in 2022. He won 8,563 more votes than his opponent, a Democrat named Charles Howell (38.7%).
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Joseph Bellino Jr.
State Senator | District 16
Evidence of Election Denialism
Bellino signed a lawsuit contesting the results of the 2020 election
He also signed a November 2020 letter to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson alleging fraud and calling for a “full, independent audit prior to the certification of any results.”
Signed a press release alleging “voter fraud” and “numerous irregularities”, and asked for a complete forensic assessment.
Potential Impact
Bellino’s actions run the risk of delaying election result confirmation, potentially halting key governmental processes on both a state and federal level. His support of lawsuits based on unfounded claims can lead to changes that may make voting more restrictive, creating barriers particularly for those unlikely to show up at the polls.
Candidacy
Likely to run for reelection in 2026Selected Sources
Bellino won his most recent election in 2022 with 73,403 votes (65%). He won 33,900 more votes than his opponent, a Democrat named Katybeth Davis (25%)
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Cindy Berry
Chesterfield Township Clerk | Macomb County
Evidence of Election Denialism
Denied validity of the 2020 election, sharing claims made by Trump claiming voter fraud. Stated that “January 6th is not going to be a good day for our Democrat friends.”
Potential Impact
As Township Clerk, Berry is trusted to oversee all aspects of election administration. Her claims of voter fraud and spread of misinformation has the potential to confuse voters, and may reduce voter turnout by creating a hostile voting environment.
Candidacy
Likely to run for reelection in 2024.Selected Sources
Berry won 15,679 votes in her most recent election in 2020.
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Robert J. Bezotte
State Representative | District 50
Evidence of Election Denialism
Bezotte called for a “forensic audit” of the 2020 general election in Michigan.
Attended a rally staged by Republican protesters outside of the Michigan Capitol calling a forensic audit of the 2020 presidential election. Organizers of the rally originally planned to enter the Capitol, and at least one attendee wore a “Three Percenters” patch.
He also signed a letter urging Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to investigate “crimes related to fraud committed in the 2020 election and crimes brought to light in the conspiracy documentary 2000 Mules”, as well as a separate letter to Nessel threatening to impeach her if she prosecutes anyone who profited from spreading lies about the 2020 election.
Potential Impact
Voted in support of a pair of 2021 bills that would impose stricter voter ID and signature matching requirements on Michigan voters. If passed, these bills have the potential to suppress the vote of those without easy access to IDs, who are already at risk of underrepresentation at the polls.
Candidacy
Likely to run for reelection in 2024Selected Sources
Bezotte won his most recent election for state representative in 2022 with 31,768 votes, or 66.8%. He won 16,001 more votes than his opponent, a Decmorat named Glen Miller (33.2%).
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Ann M. Bollin
State Representative | District 49
Evidence of Election Denialism
In a 2020 Facebook post, Bollin claimed that “Michigan elections laws were not being followed” at the TCF center in Detroit during the 2020 presidential election, and accused the governor and secretary state of “hijacking” elections.
Bollin has also signed a November 2020 letter to the MI Secretary of State alleging election fraud, and calling for a “full, independent audit prior to the certification of any results.”
Potential Impact
Bollin has openly opposed measures to make voting easier, expand voter participation, and prevent open-carry firearms within 100 feet of polling stations, calling these measures “emotionally charged” and “fundamentally flawed”. Alongside other election deniers and a Trump lawyer who has tried to overturn the 2020 election, Bollin has also participated in a GOP plan to make voting more difficult and influence elections. Bollins actions are harmful, and have the potential to restrict voting access to those already at risk of being underrepresented a the polls
Bollin’s legislative record has the potential to restrict voter participation, make voting more dangerous, and erode confidence in the electoral system.
Candidacy
Likely to run for reelection in 2024Selected Sources
Bolin won her most recent election for state representative in 2022 with 25,118 votes, or 55.8%. She won 5,208 more votes than her opponent, a Democrat named Christina Kafkakis (44.2%).
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Michael Borkovich
County Sheriff | Leelanau County
Evidence of Election Denialism
Borkovich, in an email, stated “I do think that fraud occurred during the 2020 Election … I have NO MORE FAITH in the DOMINION VOTING MACHINE SYSTEM, and I never will from here forward.”
Potential Impact
As county sheriff, Borkovich is responsible for enforcing state and local laws. His distrust in and disregard for voting systems, without evidence, may erode public trust in government.
Candidacy
Running for reelection in 2024Selected Sources
Won 11,067 votes in his most recent election in 2020.
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Ken Borton
State Representative | District 105
Evidence of Election Denialism
Borton attended a June 2021 rally demanding a “forensic audit” of the 2020 presidential election.
He also signed a letter urging Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to investigate “[debunked] crimes related to fraud committed in the 2020 election and crimes brought to light in the documentary 2000 Mules”, as well as a letter disputing the validity of the 2020 election to Former U.S. Vice President Pence encouraging him to halt certification of the presidential election.
Potential Impact
Borton voted in support of a pair of 2021 bills that would impose stricter voter ID and signature matching requirements on Michigan voters, heightening the potential for voter suppression amongst an already vulnerable group.
Candidacy
Likely to run for reelection in 2024Selected Sources
Borton won his most recent election for state representative in 2022 with 30,495 votes, or 69.4%. He won 17,057 more votes than his opponent, a Democrat named Adam Wojdan (30.6%).
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Robert Boyd
Wayne County Canvassing Board Member
Evidence of Election Denialism
Boyd told the Detroit Free Press the 2020 presidential election results were “inaccurate.”
Potential Impact
Board members are responsible for canvassing votes cast, certifying elections within the county and in charge of conducting recounts for elections within the county. Having an election denier in this role would threaten the integrity of local elections and recounts.
Selected Sources
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Jon Bumstead
State Senator | District 32
Evidence of Election Denialism
Signed a November 2020 letter to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson alleging fraud and calling for a “full, independent audit prior to the certification of any results.”
In the lead up to 2022 midterm elections, Bumstead questioned the validity of changes made to MI electoral laws by creating an online public forum. This forum was intended to let citizens voice their displeasure for changes that “make our elections less secure and the results less trustworthy”.
Potential Impact
Bumstead was one of several MI GOP members who Introduced a legislative package that included “strengthening poll challenger and poll water rights” as well as harsher voter ID requirements
Bumstead’s actions, including his support for increased voter ID requirements and other restrictive voting measures, have the potential to harm voter turnout and participation – disproportionately impacting those voters who are already unlikely to have their vote heard as a result of systemic challenges.
Candidacy
Unlikely to run for reelection due to term limitsSelected Sources
Bumstead won his most recent election in 2022, winning 61,113 votes (52.8%). He won 6,556 more votes than his opponent, a Democrat named Terry Sabo (47.2%).