Mike Rogers Faces Backlash Over Detroit Poll Watcher Proposal
Senate candidate Mike Rogers is facing accusations of voter suppression after suggesting off-duty police officers serve as poll watchers in Detroit.
U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers is facing accusations of voter suppression following recorded comments in which he urged the Kalamazoo County GOP to recruit retired or off-duty police officers to serve as poll watchers in Detroit. Rogers suggested that while these officers would not wear uniforms, they could show their badges by opening their jackets to deter interference.
Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed criticized the proposal, arguing that deploying law enforcement figures in a majority-Black city could intimidate voters. In response, Rogers told ABC News he does not know how poll watchers would discourage voting. Campaign spokesperson Alyssa Brouillet defended the strategy, stating that Rogers is encouraging people of integrity to serve, including teachers, community leaders, and retired law enforcement.
Under Michigan law, poll watchers are permitted to observe the election process from designated areas. However, they are strictly prohibited from interacting with voters, touching voting materials, or interfering with election staff.
