LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Police are still looking for those responsible for using incendiary devices to set ballot drop boxes on fire in Oregon and Washington. As they search, the incident raise questions regarding the safety of the ballot drop box concept, including here in Michigan.

 What are Michigan’s security measures?

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said that ballot drop boxes in Michigan are designed to make it difficult to put anything but a ballot inside them. She said boxes are checked daily and emptied each day by the city or township clerk’s office.

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In addition, Benson said drop boxes are monitored by video cameras.

Benson tries to alleviate fears, but snafus continue.

Benson noted that some people may tamper with boxes elsewhere in the U.S. “to create a story” but that fear does not translate to Michigan. “The drop boxes in Michigan are safe,” she said.

Meanwhile, the state continues to use Dominion voting machines despite repeated problems in 2020 and within the last few days since early in-person voting began. Also, if Michigan voters select the straight party option, they must remember to vote for the nonpartisan part of the ballot additionally.

 

Online chatter indicates people are still concerned.

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Tracking absentee ballots.

The best way to ensure the security of a ballot is to vote in person or hand deliver the ballot to your local clerk.
Voters can also track the status of their ballot by visiting the Michigan Voter Information Center.