In an effort to clear up questions that still may exist about the counting of absentee ballots, and the eventual certification of those results, Michigan election officials Wednesday addressed concerns that some county canvassers may opt not to certify results if challenges are brought forward. Tony Daunt is the Republican chair of the State Board of Canvassers, whose job it is to eventually certify Michigan’s statewide results.
“I remain hopeful that the canvassers and all 83 boards in all 83 counties will do their duty and do their jobs,” Daunt said. “I’ve spoke with members of the staff at the Bureau of Elections and they’re prepared. They’re taking this potential seriously, but we are prepared to do our duty and do our job.”
It’s anticipated more than two million state residents will be voting by absentee ballot. The Michigan Secretary of State announced Tuesday that two weeks ahead of Election Day, more than 1.8 million absentee ballots have been requested by voters and 771,967 absentee ballots have been submitted by Michiganders. Voters who already have an absentee ballot should hand-deliver it as soon as possible to their clerk’s office or ballot drop box to avoid postal delays.
