Michigan

Michigan

Audit Laws

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Audit Laws

State Summary

In 2012, Michigan passed a provision for an optional post-election audit. See, M.C.L.A. § 168.31a. As amended in 2018, the statute stipulates that audit procedures “include reviewing the documents, ballots, and procedures used during an election,” explicitly including a partial “audit of the results.” Although statute does not specify, the procedures have required this audit of results to be a hand count. See, Michigan Post-Election Audit Manual.

In 2018, Michigan began implementing administrative risk-limiting audit pilots for local elections on an increasing scale. The state conducted its first statewide RLA pilots of the 2020 presidential primary and general elections. Michigan continues to pilot post-certification RLAs administratively.

Unless otherwise specified, references are to the Michigan Post-Election Audit Manual.

Voting Systems Used

Michigan primarily uses hand marked paper ballots and optical scanners in polling places statewide, with ballot marking devices for accessibility. For the most up to date information please visit Verified Voting’s Verifier.

For an explanation on the types of voting equipment used, click here.

Audit Comprehensiveness

A procedural audit is required to include an audit of the results in at least 1 race in each precinct randomly selected for audit and at least 1 statewide race or ballot question for statewide elections. The audit reviews procedures performed before, during, and after the conduct of an election. Michigan also commenced risk-limiting audit pilots beginning in 2018.

Transparency

The audits are conducted in a public location. Also, precinct level results are required to be made public “to interested persons who may be present,” after the precinct-level count.

Audit Counting Method

The post-election audit manual specifies that the tabulation audit is conducted by hand count.

Type Of Audit Units

Michigan randomly samples precincts for audit. The audit reviews procedures performed before, during, and after the conduct of an election, as well as results. See, M.C.L.A. §168.31a.

Contests & Issues Audited

The procedural audit includes an audit of the results in at least 1 race in each precinct randomly selected for audit and at least 1 statewide race or ballot question for statewide elections. See, M.C.L.A. §168.31a.

Addressing Discrepancies

Discrepancies discovered as part of the procedural audit will be used to develop training for the future. The audit of voted ballots will reinforce accuracy and security of the voting system.

For recount laws, see Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota website. For recount laws, see Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota website.

Timeline

The audit is completed after the canvass. The post-election audit must be conducted within thirty (30) days of canvass completion unless a recount has been ordered. (This date could fall either before or after results are finalized, but there is no statutory mechanism by which the audit could lead to a recount.)

Binding On Official Outcomes

The audit has no bearing on certified election results.

Oversight & Conduct

The Secretary of State and the county clerks audit precincts after an election.

Ballot Protection

Michigan retains strict chain of custody laws that, if not observed, affect the validity of ballots to be recounted if necessary. See, M.C.L.A. §168.871(1). After ballots are counted, the board of election inspectors shall securely tie the ballots in rolls and attach to each ballot bag an endorsed statement showing the number and kind of ballots included in the ballot bag. The board of election inspectors shall then seal the bags with an approved seal and place them in a ballot box along with one (1) tally sheet. The ballot box will then be delivered to the township, city, or village clerk. For more information see, M.C.L.A. §168.805.

Additional Targeted Samples

In addition to the random sample, the Bureau of Elections may select additional precincts to be audited at the state level.

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