INSIDER
Wayne County canvasser says recent, violent threats have her living in fear
Read full article: Wayne County canvasser says recent, violent threats have her living in fearA Wayne County canvasser is speaking out on Thursday after a woman from New Hampshire was charged with threatening her online. Chair canvasser Monica Palmer says she’s afraid for her life and the lives of her family after receiving violent and threatening messages in November. “You’re not sleeping.”The threats against Palmer are the latest in a year of escalating threats of political violence and intimidation. I can’t go Christmas shopping without fear that somebody’s going to snatch my daughter,” Palmer said. Palmer says that she plans to remain on the Wayne County Board of Canvassers despite recent events.
23-year-old woman charged with making violent threats against Wayne County canvasser
Read full article: 23-year-old woman charged with making violent threats against Wayne County canvasserDETROIT – A 23-year-old woman living in Olivet, Michigan was arrested and will be charged with sending threatening messages to Monica Palmer, the chair of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers. Jones then sent Palmer two graphic photographs of a bloody, naked, mutilated, dead woman lying on the ground. Immediately following, Jones sent Palmer a photograph of Palmer’s minor daughter. United States Attorney Matthew SchneiderAccording to the affidavit, Jones knowingly and willfully sent violent threats to Palmer. Officials said she admitted to creating a TextMe account to send threatening messages to Palmer.
Local 4 News at 5 -- Nov. 24, 2020
Read full article: Local 4 News at 5 -- Nov. 24, 2020Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 5:Michigan Attorney General launches investigation into threats against canvassersMichigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has confirmed that her department is investigating threats made against members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers. The investigation was launched after last week’s Board of Canvassers meeting. Anyone with a specific complaint related to election fraud, misinformation, or threats against public officials can report them by email to the Attorney General’s office.
Michigan AG launches investigation into threats against canvassers
Read full article: Michigan AG launches investigation into threats against canvassersDETROIT – On Tuesday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that her office started an investigation into threats made against members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers. And while many of us have been subjected to hateful and often obscene insults, threats of violence and harm will not be tolerated.”Original Story: Michigan AG confirms investigation into threats made against Wayne County CanvassersLast Friday Wayne County Board of Canvassers Republican William Hartmann spoke with Local 4 about the threats. I’m worried about threats and violence that might come upon me or my family,” said Hartmann. The investigation comes after a Wayne County Board of Canvassers meeting on Nov. 11 that was interrupted by violent, vulgar threats. Yesterday Republican and Michigan Board of State Canvassers member Norm Shinkle talked about the threats he has received.
Local 4 News at Noon -- Nov. 24, 2020
Read full article: Local 4 News at Noon -- Nov. 24, 2020DETROIT – Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. Michigan AG confirms investigation into threats made against Wayne County CanvassersMichigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has confirmed that her department is investigating threats made against members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers.
Michigan AG confirms investigation into threats made against Wayne County Canvassers
Read full article: Michigan AG confirms investigation into threats made against Wayne County CanvassersLANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has confirmed that her department is investigating threats made against members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers. READ: Michigan lawsuit claims Trump Campaign is attempting to disenfranchise Black votersOn Nov. 11, a Wayne County Board of Canvassers’ Zoom meeting was interrupted by violent, vulgar threats. On Monday, Monica Palmer, Chair of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers, spoke during the Michigan Board of State Canvassers meeting. Palmer said there were harsh words said during the public comment section of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers meeting. READ: 23-year-old woman charged with making violent threats against Wayne County canvasser
Michigan lawsuit claims Trump Campaign is attempting to disenfranchise Black voters
Read full article: Michigan lawsuit claims Trump Campaign is attempting to disenfranchise Black votersDETROIT – A group of Detroit voters are now suing the Trump Campaign, claiming it’s trying to disenfranchise Black voters in their attempt to block the certification of votes in Wayne County. The lawsuit Anthony is talking about is 18 pages long. The plaintiffs are several local Detroit voters, along with the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization. They are suing Donald Trump and his campaign, claiming they’re trying to disenfranchise Black voters by trying to block the certification of votes in Wayne County. And we hired Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.”You can read the entire lawsuit filed against Trump and his campaign by the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization and Detroit residents here.
Detroit voters sue President Trump over his attempt to block certification of election results
Read full article: Detroit voters sue President Trump over his attempt to block certification of election resultsDETROIT – Three Detroit voters have joined a local organization in suing President Trump and his campaign over their effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Wayne County Board of Canvassers certifies results despite initial deadlockThe lawsuit comes days after two GOP members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers initially voted not to certify the votes, citing discrepancies in the county’s numbers. The pair changed their minds again, however, after President Trump called them personally on Tuesday evening after the certification process. Still, some argue that their meeting with the president so close to the state’s certification meeting is concerning. We expect the State Board of Canvassers to do its job and count the votes.”The Michigan Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. on Monday.
Wayne County GOP canvassers say call from Trump did not influence vote decisions
Read full article: Wayne County GOP canvassers say call from Trump did not influence vote decisionsDETROIT – The two GOP members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers said the presidential election played no role in their decision despite receiving a phone call from President Donald Trump. The presidential phone call is where the controversy begins, but they both said the president’s only concern was for their safety. Monica Palmer said she has deep concerns for her daughter’s safety and William Hartmann has reportedly gone into hiding. Wayne County Board of Canvassers vice chair Jonathan Kinloch said he believes their explanation falls flat. The Michigan Secretary of State’s office said in a statement Thursday that there is no legal mechanism for two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers to rescind their votes cast for certification.
Michigan GOP lawmakers to meet with President Trump at White House Friday
Read full article: Michigan GOP lawmakers to meet with President Trump at White House FridayTheir vote will stand.”The big question is what the Michigan Board of State Canvassers does on Monday. In midst of the election certification process, President Donald Trump has asked Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield to meet with him at the White House on Friday. Representatives with the Michigan State House and Senate could not be reached for comment. “There is no legal mechanism for them to rescind their vote. Their job is done and the next step in the process is for the Board of State Canvassers to meet and certify,” said secretary of state spokeswoman Tracy Wimmer, the AP reports.
Is democracy under duress? Oakland University, UM experts weigh in
Read full article: Is democracy under duress? Oakland University, UM experts weigh inDETROIT – The United States has had close presidential elections before, but the 2020 General Election feels different. Some experts see reasons for concern as hyper-partisan fights seem to buck the norms of Democracy. Professor Richard Primus is a Constitutional Law expert at the University of Michigan. Our elections have been played by rules -- even with sharp elbows and lies -- when we count the votes, we declare a winner,” Primus said. Primus said the problem in 2020 is there’s a breakdown in the norms of being willing to accept the outcome of an election.
Michigan: GOP canvassers can’t legally rescind Wayne County election certification vote
Read full article: Michigan: GOP canvassers can’t legally rescind Wayne County election certification voteThe Secretary of State office’s statement comes after a whirlwind of a week for the Wayne County Board of Canvassers. In her affidavit, Palmer said “the Wayne County election had serious process flaws which deserve investigation. The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has until Nov. 23 to certify the election itself. And as always, under state law our department conducts these audits after the Board of State Canvassers has certified the election. The Michigan Republican Party condemns the actions of Democrats and we will continue to fight for transparency and integrity in Wayne County elections.
GOP Wayne County Board of Canvassers members trying to rescind vote certification
Read full article: GOP Wayne County Board of Canvassers members trying to rescind vote certificationDETROIT – Two Republicans on the Wayne County Board of Canvassers are trying to rescind their vote to certify the county’s presidential election results. UPDATE: Michigan Secretary of State says GOP canvassers can’t legally rescind Wayne County election certification voteFast facts:New affidavitsIn her affidavit, Palmer said “the Wayne County election had serious process flaws which deserve investigation. Before the vote, Palmer said she would certify every community in Wayne County, except Detroit. The Wayne County Ethics Board is looking into that complaint. Certifying all election results for the state is now in the hands of the Michigan Board of Canvassers.
Morning Briefing Nov. 19, 2020: Wayne County election, Canada border closure
Read full article: Morning Briefing Nov. 19, 2020: Wayne County election, Canada border closureTrending 📈🇨🇦 Report: Canada extends US border closure until Dec. 21The U.S.-Canada border will remain closed to non-essential travel for another month, according to reports. The current extension of the border crossing restrictions was set to expire Nov. 21, 2020. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 277,806 as of Wednesday, including 8,190 deaths, state officials report. New COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Michigan. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 125,000 on Tuesday, near its highest mark on record.
Michigan to certify presidential election results following Wayne County’s certification
Read full article: Michigan to certify presidential election results following Wayne County’s certificationDETROIT – The Wayne County Board of Canvassers unanimously voted to certify the November election results Tuesday and asked the Michigan Secretary of State to conduct an audit of any Wayne County precincts with unexplained mismatching vote totals. The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has until Nov. 23 to certify the election. President Donald Trump tweeted repeatedly about the canvassers and called the two Republicans who voted against certification patriots. The Wayne County Ethics Board is looking into that complaint. This has nothing to do at all with where people live and the races they are.”The state board was expected to meet Wednesday, but that meeting has been postponed.
Wayne County Board of Canvassers certifies election results after GOP refusal
Read full article: Wayne County Board of Canvassers certifies election results after GOP refusalDETROIT – The Wayne County Board of Canvassers unanimously voted to certify the November election results Tuesday and asked the Michigan Secretary of State to conduct an audit of any Wayne County precincts with unexplained mismatching vote totals. A Board of Canvassers meeting was scheduled Wednesday, but sources claim it has been postponed until Monday. Initially, the Wayne County Board of Canvassers had two Republican and two Democrat members deadlocked on the vote to certify the election results in Wayne County. After the board agreed that they wanted to have an audit of the election, the Republicans -- Monica Palmer and William Hartmann -- voted to actually certify the Wayne County election. Detroit had the same issue in the August primary, but the board voted to certify the results then.
Wayne County Board of Canvassers asks Secretary of State to audit unbalanced precincts following certification approval
Read full article: Wayne County Board of Canvassers asks Secretary of State to audit unbalanced precincts following certification approvalDETROIT – The Wayne County Board of Canvassers unanimously voted to certify the November election results Tuesday and asked the Michigan Secretary of State to conduct an audit of any Wayne County precincts with unexplained mismatching vote totals. Two Republican members of the board voted not to certify and Democratic members voted to certify. Detroit had the same issue in the August primary, but the board voted to certify the results then. RELATED: In reversal, Wayne County Board of Canvassers unanimously approve certification of election votesRELATED: Deadlocked Wayne County Board of Canvassers fails to certify election resultsPalmer suggested certifying the rest of Wayne County but excluding Detroit, which was criticized by some members of the public. “I’m very proud of my colleagues on the Wayne County Board of Canvassers.
Michigan GOP backtracks after blocking vote certification
Read full article: Michigan GOP backtracks after blocking vote certificationThe state vote certification process is usually a routine task, and the ultimate resolution in Wayne County propels Biden toward formal victory in Michigan. Republicans are also trying to stop formal certification of the election results in other swing states, including Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania. Each state certifies its election results and the Electoral College meets Dec. 14 to codify the results. In Michigan, Trump allies and Republican poll challengers have spent days launching unsuccessful litigation. In a more rural county, Mohave, election certification was delayed until Nov. 23 in a sign of solidarity with the remaining election challenges in the state.
Deadlocked Wayne County Board of Canvassers fails to certify election results
Read full article: Deadlocked Wayne County Board of Canvassers fails to certify election resultsDetroit – The Wayne County Board of Canvassers is deadlocked on Tuesday with a 2-2 vote on the decision to certify election votes. The state Court of Appeals said it wasn’t convinced the Wayne County judge made a mistake by refusing to stop the work of county canvassers. — Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) November 18, 2020“In refusing to approve the results of the election in Wayne County, the two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers have placed partisan politics above their legal duty to certify the election results,” Gov. The actions of Palmer and Hartman disrespects and disregards the voters of Wayne County, the incredibly hard work of the dedicated poll workers and clerks of Wayne County all in the name of partisan showboating. Once this is established, I will, of course, accept the will of the voters.”Statement from Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans:"The voters of Wayne County have spoken, but apparently two of the four members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers refused to hear them.
Wayne County Board of Canvassers' Zoom meeting interrupted by violent, vulgar threats
Read full article: Wayne County Board of Canvassers' Zoom meeting interrupted by violent, vulgar threatsDETROIT – The Wayne County Board of Canvassers' Wednesday Zoom meeting ended up getting Zoom-bombed by an unknown amount of people hurling expletives. The meeting was held online and a link was available for the public to join the meeting. Threats and vulgar statements were made about the Board of Canvassers' mothers. With Wayne County at the center of President Trump’s lawsuits, as well as exhaustion after the count and the continuing drama, just about the last thing the Wayne County Board of Canvassers needed was people Zoom-bombing the meeting. "People act all sort of kind of ways.”The board is not letting the online obnoxiousness slow down their work.
Michigan Court of Appeals to review Detroits absentee ballot precinct inaccurate count
Read full article: Michigan Court of Appeals to review Detroits absentee ballot precinct inaccurate countDETROIT An activist is suing Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for an inaccurate count reported from Detroits absentee ballot precincts in the August primary. The Michigan Court of Appeals has agreed to hear the case. Robert Davis, who is suing Benson over the miscount and attended the canvass of Detroits votes, said he had no choice. During the primary election, 72 percent of Detroits absentee ballot precincts had an inaccurate count. If the books dont match that means a recount is not legally possible which in a tight race is problematic.