Michigan AG investigating threats against Wayne County canvassers

Michigan’s top prosecutor is looking into threats levied against the Wayne County Board of Canvassers after election officials on the panel made national headlines last week by refusing to certify ballot results from the state’s most populous county.

State Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) confirmed Tuesday that her office was “actively investigating” the situation.

“We will investigate any credible complaints of threats to government officials, elected or appointed, and will prosecute criminal conduct to the fullest extent of the law,” Nessel said in a statement. “Serving the people – regardless of party – is an honorable but sometimes difficult and thankless task. And while many of us have been subjected to hateful and often obscene insults, threats of violence and harm will not be tolerated.”

Last Tuesday, two Republican members of the four-seat board including board chair Monica Palmer, refused to certify the results of Wayne County. Palmer claimed widespread voter fraud in Detroit, the largest city in Michigan.

Palmer’s objection was criticized as racist, as Palmer suggested that every other precinct in the county be certified except the Motor City. The city is 80 percent Black, making Detroit the largest predominantly Black city in the country.

President-elect Joe Biden won the Wolverine State by more than 150,000 votes and Wayne County by more than 300,000 votes. 

The problem that Palmer cited — out-of-balance absentee ballot poll books — is common and wasn’t exclusive to only Detroit’s precincts.

The deadlock was ultimately short-lived, with Palmer and the other GOP member of the board agreeing to certify the results later last Tuesday night. Palmer received praise from President Trump on Nov. 17 via Twitter, with the president saying “Wow! Michigan just refused to certify the election results! Having courage is a beautiful thing. The USA stands proud!” Trump also reportedly called Palmer on Nov. 17.

The investigation into the threats started after the board agreed to certify the results, Nessel’s statement noted.