The state will take the extremely rare step of stepping in to certify the results of Detroit’s mayoral primary. That’s after a Wayne County elections board refused to count 18,000 write-in ballots because they were improperly marked by poll workers. Michigan’s Elections Director Chris Thomas says those ballots should be counted.
“We are merely going to complete the canvass, certify the result, and make sure that to the extent the law requires and allows, that every single vote is tabulated.”
That would almost certainly ensure that write-in candidate Mike Duggan will have the most primary votes, and will face Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon on the November ballot.
The Board of State Canvassers is expected to meet in Detroit next week to certify the election results. That would also set the stage for a recount – if any candidate wants one.
Thomas says the state will monitor – but won’t supervise – the city’s November election.
