LANSING – Election experts joined the League of Women Voters of Michigan today (10/5/22) to discuss the role of the Board of State Canvassers and its process for certifying elections in Michigan.

 With Election Day coming up on Nov. 8 and past attempts to undermine the integrity of the election certification process, it is important for the League to offer information on the nonpartisan certification process. Armed with an understanding of how the election is certified, voters can confidently participate in democracy.

 “Michigan’s election certification process is an important ministerial one that many Michigan voters aren’t aware of, and an important part of the League’s mission is to educate voters, so we were proud to offer this vital information to voters,” said Paula Bowman, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Michigan.

 Expert panelists included Chris Thomas at the Bipartisan Policy Center and former Michigan Director of Elections; Jeff Timmer, former Republican member of the Board of State Canvassers; Julie Matuzak, former Democratic member of the Board of State Canvassers; and John Pirich, retired election attorney at Honigman LLP.

 “Our expert panelists reaffirmed that Michigan’s election certification process is simple: to carry out the will of the voters by certifying the results of the election,” said Christina Schlitt, co-president of the League. “The board members simply look at the numbers, tabulate them and determine the successful candidate.”

 A recording of the discussion is available to watch online.