Michigan Conducts Voting Machine Tests Ahead of Midterm Elections

Local governments across Michigan have begun mandatory public accuracy tests on voting equipment to ensure readiness for the November 3 midterm elections. In Grand Rapids, City Clerk Joel Hondorp led tests on Monday for tabulators across 59 precincts, verifying zero-vote starts and using test decks with intentional errors to confirm machine precision.

Lisa Posthumus Lyons, the Kent County Clerk, and former Governor John Engler observed the Grand Rapids tests, which produced results matching expected tallies. The tests are part of a state law requiring verification at least five days before early voting begins, which starts October 20 in Grand Rapids and by October 24 statewide.

Simultaneously, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel stated the state is prepared for potential disruptions, including power outages and the presence of troops at polls, following claims of vote-rigging from Donald Trump. In other state developments, the Board of State Canvassers denied a second recall petition against Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop, and legislative candidates participated in the Cherry Pie Debates.

Outside of Michigan, Clatsop County officials in Oregon announced that ballots will be mailed on October 14, with a voter registration deadline of October 13 and a postmark deadline of November 3.