Michigan Election Officials Removed Amid Controversy

Two election officials in Rock River Township, Michigan, were removed from overseeing the presidential election after attempting to hand count already tabulated ballots, defying state law. This incident reflects ongoing distrust in voting systems fueled by former President Trump's falsehoods about election integrity.

Two election officials in Rock River Township, Michigan, have been relieved of their duties during Tuesday's U.S. presidential election. The officials, Tom Schierkolk and David LaMere, intended to manually count already tabulated ballots, a plan deemed illegal by Michigan's Bureau of Elections Director, Jonathan Brater.

This development underscores enduring suspicions among some officials regarding voting equipment. These suspicions have been heightened by former President Donald Trump's unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 election was rigged. Election officials across Michigan and other pivotal states remain on high alert as polls suggest a tight race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Brater acted after Schierkolk's plan to unseal and hand count ballots conflicted with legal requirements. In response, Deputy Treasurer Wilma Hill was appointed to oversee the upcoming vote. Schierkolk and LaMere did not comment on their removal, and failure to comply with state orders is considered a misdemeanor offense.

(With inputs from agencies.)