Election integrity crucial to American democracy

State Rep. Julie Alexander, of Hanover, this week supported a resolution granting subpoena power to the House Committee on Oversight regarding the 2020 primary and general elections.

House Resolution 342, which was approved by the Michigan House, would grant the full scope of power, as authorized by Michigan law, to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and examine books and records related to the 2020 primary and general elections. The resolution will provide the transparency and answers people throughout Michigan deserve.

“As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to conduct an in-depth investigation that gets to the bottom of these reports and delivers the answers Michiganders deserve,” Alexander said. “I support this resolution not out of loyalty to any party or candidate, but out of loyalty to the rule of the law, to people of Michigan, to the Republic, and to restore public confidence in our electoral process.”

Alexander has heard from many in the Jackson County community, as well as throughout the state, concerned about fraud from the recent election.

“No one in the state of Michigan should ever feel like their vote was disenfranchised, which unfortunately is what I continue to hear from thousands of voters, both in my district and across the state,” Alexander said. “We must be thoughtful and thorough to ensure that the will of the people and the votes that were cast are legal and in accordance with Michigan election law.”

Alexander said it’s vital everyone who voted for former Vice President Joe Biden or President Donald Trump have their vote counted, as well as everyone who sent in absentee ballots by 8 p.m. on election night, and all military ballots properly adjudicated. She said no ballots cast illegally should be counted and all voters must be treated equally.

“Following the law without exception is critical to ensuring fair and free elections,” Alexander said. “Because of the oath I swore to uphold the constitutions of the state of Michigan and the United States of America, I am proud to support HR 342. The right to vote is sacred, preserved in our constitution as the very source of our freedom and the way we preserve a government of by and for the people.”

Following the adoption of House Resolution 342, the Oversight Committee issued subpoenas for documents and election records from the cities of Detroit and Livonia.

PHOTO INFORMATION: Rep. Julie Alexander, holding the United States Constitution, speaks in support of House resolution 342 on the House floor this week.