16 Fake Electors Charged with Felonies in Michigan Election Scheme
Sixteen individuals who falsely claimed that President Donald Trump won Michigan in the 2020 election have been charged with multiple felonies, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. This marks the first time any of the fake electors have faced criminal charges related to the scheme, which occurred in multiple states.
Charges include forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, election law forgery, publishing a counterfeit record, and conspiring to publish a counterfeit record. The group of fake electors from Michigan includes current and former state GOP officials, a Republican National Committee member, a sitting mayor, a school board member, and Trump supporters who were involved in a frivolous lawsuit attempting to overturn the election results.
Attorney General Nessel emphasized that the plan to reject the will of the voters and undermine democracy was fraudulent and legally baseless. The investigation into the fake electors was initially referred to federal prosecutors, but Nessel reopened the state probe in January. The Justice Department special counsel is also actively investigating the plot.
Michigan was one of the battleground states where the Trump campaign put forward fake electors as part of their plan to undermine the Electoral College process. The charged individuals met in Lansing on December 14, 2020, and signed certificates falsely proclaiming Trump’s victory. However, they were denied entry to the statehouse by police. President Joe Biden won Michigan by over 154,000 votes.
The Trump campaign officials, including Rudy Giuliani, oversaw efforts to present fake slates of electors in several key states, including Michigan. An audio recording captured one of the now-charged fake electors boasting that the Trump campaign directed the entire operation.
Evidence has emerged that Trump knew about the plan and discussed it with RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. The House January 6 committee has also uncovered information about the involvement of higher-level Trump officials in the scheme.
Attorney General Nessel released a video alongside the charges, reiterating that the 2020 election in Michigan was procedurally the same as previous elections. She emphasized that the defendants’ beliefs or feelings do not justify violating the law and undermining the Constitution.
Nessel’s office will continue to investigate efforts to overturn the election and has not ruled out potential charges against additional defendants. She anticipates attacks from Trump allies claiming the indictments are politically motivated, but she asserts that taking action based on overwhelming evidence of guilt is the least political act she could engage in as a prosecutor.
Stay updated with additional reporting on this story.
Michigan Attorney General Files Charges Against Participants in 2020 Fake Elector Scheme
In a significant development, the Michigan Attorney General’s office has filed charges against individuals involved in a fake elector scheme that took place during the 2020 presidential election. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and hold accountable those who seek to undermine it.
The charges were filed against three individuals: Michael Banerian, William Hartmann, and Monica Palmer. These individuals were part of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers, responsible for certifying the election results in their respective districts. However, instead of fulfilling their duty to uphold the democratic process, they engaged in a fraudulent scheme to submit false elector slates.
The scheme involved submitting fake documents claiming to be electors for the state of Michigan, despite not being duly appointed or authorized to do so. This deceitful act aimed to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election results and sow confusion among the public. Such actions undermine the very foundation of our democracy and erode public trust in the electoral process.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized the seriousness of these charges, stating, “Election officials have a duty to the people of this state and to this nation to do their job honestly and with integrity. We will not tolerate attempts to deceive the public or undermine our democratic institutions.”
The charges filed against Banerian, Hartmann, and Palmer include multiple counts of election law violations, forgery, and conspiracy. If convicted, they could face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines. This sends a strong message that those who engage in fraudulent activities to subvert the electoral process will be held accountable for their actions.
It is crucial to note that these charges are not an indictment of the entire electoral system or the election results. The 2020 presidential election underwent rigorous scrutiny, with numerous audits, recounts, and legal challenges. The results were certified by both state and federal authorities, affirming the legitimacy of the outcome.
The Michigan Attorney General’s office has been steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the integrity of elections. This latest action demonstrates their determination to investigate and prosecute any attempts to undermine the democratic process.
As citizens, it is our responsibility to support and protect the democratic principles that form the bedrock of our society. We must remain vigilant against any attempts to erode the trust and confidence in our electoral system. The charges filed against the participants in the fake elector scheme serve as a reminder that those who seek to undermine our democracy will face the full force of the law.
Moving forward, it is imperative that we continue to strengthen our electoral processes, enhance transparency, and promote civic education. By doing so, we can safeguard the integrity of our elections and ensure that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the outcomes.
In conclusion, the charges filed by the Michigan Attorney General’s office against participants in the 2020 fake elector scheme are a significant step towards preserving the integrity of our electoral process. This action sends a clear message that attempts to deceive the public and undermine our democratic institutions will not be tolerated. As citizens, we must remain vigilant in protecting our democracy and upholding the principles that define our nation.
