Secretary Benson: Over 250 audits confirm security and accuracy of Michigan's election

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced that the state’s audits of the November 3 election are complete. She said the audits confirmed the election was secure and the count was accurate.

“Over the last several months, the state Bureau of Elections has worked with local clerks to conduct more audits than ever before in our state’s history, and each has reaffirmed the accuracy, security and integrity of the November 2020 election,” said Benson. “We’ve responded to every question and claim and the evidence is clear. It is time for leaders across the political spectrum to tell their constituents the truth, that our election was the most secure in history, and the results accurately reflect the will of Michigan’s voters.”

The audits included an audit of every ballot cast for president in Antrim County. It found the Dominion machines accurately counted ballots.

A statewide hand count audit confirmed the outcome of the presidential election. In the statewide sample of 18,000 ballots, Biden received votes on 50 percent of all ballots reviewed while Trump received 48 percent.

Findings of audits of absentee ballot counting boards:

• In Detroit, 83 percent were balanced or explained, compared to 27 percent at the end of the canvass. The final net numbers out of balance was 17.
• In Grand Rapids, 87 percent were balanced or explained, compared to 62 percent at the end of the canvass. The final net number of ballots out of balance was eight.
• In Livonia, 77 percent were balanced or explained, compared to 34 percent at the end of the canvass. The final net number of ballots out of balance was one.
• In Sterling Heights, 71 percent were balanced or explained, compared to 58 percent at the end of the canvass. The final net number of ballots out of balance was four.

Secretary Benson said some of the time constraints, especially in high-population areas. She is calling for legislation to allow two weeks for ballots to be processed before Election Day, and an additional week to canvass afterwards. She is also asking for legislators to change the law that prevents precincts that are out of balance without explanation from being recounted.