DETROIT – A recording released by Politico on August 2, 2022 from an Election Integrity Force virtual meeting shows instructors telling volunteer poll workers and watchers to call 911 to report non-emergency, perceived election related complaints. All Voting Is Local, along with local election and law enforcement officials, are bringing attention to the latest example of election conspiracy theorists seeking to disrupt free and fair elections.
“Poll workers in Michigan have been trained to follow the correct procedure when there is an issue at a polling location,” said Aghogho Edevbie, Michigan state director at All Voting Is Local. “Unfortunately, some poll workers and poll challengers have been advised by outside parties and bad actors to call 911 instead of contacting their local clerk to address any issues that may occur. These calls to emergency services have the potential to overwhelm first responders and inhibit their ability to reach those who need crisis support. This advice is dangerous and completely irresponsible.”
“Learning of the continued efforts by bad actors to interfere in elections is sickening,” said Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum. “I can assure you that we did everything in our power to ensure this was a fair, and safe election where every vote was counted, and all election complaints are handled in the most civil way possible.”
“Using 911 to call the sheriff’s office or any other law enforcement agency to report an election/voter observation is not the appropriate action,” said Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson. “Every non-emergency call has the potential of delaying a police, fire or EMS response to a life and death situation. We can all agree voter integrity is vital to our democracy, which is why we have elected clerks, the Secretary of State and the Attorney General.”
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