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Four individuals in St. Clair Shores are under investigation for possible double voting, and could face felony charges according to Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini.
St. Clair Shores Clerk Abby Barrett reported the instances of possible double voting in which four individuals cast more than one ballot, voting once by absentee and once in person, with the incidents occurring in precincts 7, 15 and 16.
Barrett reported the potential crimes to the Macomb County Clerk’s office and Michigan elections officials for further investigation, with the Macomb County Clerk’s Office informing the Michigan’s Secretary of State’s office and Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido on Thursday in accordance with state law.
“Our elections in Macomb County have strong protocols in place designed to protect and ensure the accuracy and transparency of the votes of our community members. Multiple safeguards are put in place to ensure that instances of voter fraud are rare and if attempted, are exposed,” Forlini said in a statement.
“Our office has requested a thorough investigative process of each instance and if a crime was committed, we expect the lawbreakers to be held accountable to the furthest extent of the law.” Forlini said.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson issued her own statement Thursday night.
“I’m grateful to the Macomb County clerk for his partnership in ensuring that voter fraud is rare and that when it happens, we catch it and prosecute it to the fullest extent of the law. Thanks to our partnership and commitment to security, he followed the protocols we have in place, and I have now referred the matter to the Michigan Attorney General for further investigation and potential criminal charges,” Benson said.
Following the release of unofficial election results, election officials review all election processes and results to confirm their accuracy and correct any clerical mistakes. The process is overseen by bipartisan boards of canvassers, who also conduct any recounts and certify the results of the election.
Once the results are canvassed by the count, the Board of State Canvassers conducts its own review before voting to certify the election, when results are considered final.