“Michigan Election Fraud Scandal: All the Drama – Except the Proof!

The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election has been rife with controversy, but the burning question across America is how much of this controversy is justified, and how much of it is simply baseless sensationalism? In Michigan, a widely circulated story of widespread Republican voter fraud was just the latest example of unfounded post-election hysteria. At the heart of this tale – dubbed the “Michigan Election Fraud Story” – was the idea that thousands of Michigan ballots had been cast by ineligible voters, that Republicans were then paid to investigate these claims, and that evidence of fraud was then covered up by Michigan’s top elections officials. This story gained traction among many right-wing news outlets, eventually hitting primetime airwaves with prominent talking heads talking about voter fraud in the Wolverine State. But, the truth of the matter was that no solid evidence supported these claims. Despite weeks of investigations by both the Michigan State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there is still no definitive proof that fraudulent ballots were cast in the election. While many Republicans have called for investigations into the supposed voter fraud, investigators have found nothing to back up these allegations. At the same time, many Democratic legislators in Michigan have spoken out against these unsubstantiated claims of fraud. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has been especially vocal in her denouncement of the baseless claims of fraud, noting that such stories often serve as “diversions and misinformation.” The Michigan Election Fraud Story was ultimately a cautionary tale of how quickly and far right-wing media outlets can carry false and easily debunked stories, especially when it comes to “hot button” political issues. While it is certainly important to investigate valid allegations of voter fraud and to make sure that a fair and just election is held in all states, perpetuating false stories only serves to stoke partisan divides and does a disservice to all voters.