A candidate for Flint mayor is asking the Michigan Secretary of State’s office to give more oversight of next week’s election.
Challenger, State Rep. Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint) is leveling allegations of possible voter fraud and absentee ballot tampering at the campaign of incumbent mayor Karen Weaver.
Genesee County Clerk John Gleason says there have been allegations that Weaver campaign workers have been taking absentee ballots from voters dating back to the August primary.
“Hard to prove,” admits Gleason, “But there’s an opportunity if it was a campaign worker for either side and if that voter said ‘I’m not voting for your candidate.’ What would happen to that ballot? Would it still get turned in?”
Mayor Weaver says “there’s been no evidence of any wrong doing” adding she’s “not a fan of state take overs."
During Weaver’s first term, state oversight of Flint city hall ended and home rule was restored.
The Secretary of State’s office says it has received Neeley’s request for more oversight, but no decision has been made on the request.
Gleason is urging any voters who believe their absentee ballot has been tampered with to go to their local clerk’s office before 4 p.m. Monday to check their ballot.
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