DETROIT, Mich. — With the Nov. 3 election a week away, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers is facing renewed criticism over his suggestion that retired or off-duty police officers serve as poll watchers in Detroit.
Rogers made the remarks earlier this year to the Kalamazoo County Republican Party, saying officers out of uniform could still show their badges. Democrats, including Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, say the idea could intimidate voters in the majority-Black city. El-Sayed raised it during an Oct. 21 debate.
Rogers has said poll watchers have been part of Michigan elections for decades and should not discourage anyone. Campaign spokesperson Alyssa Brouillet said the call includes teachers, construction workers and community leaders as well as retired law enforcement. The winner replaces retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.
State rules leave poll watchers little room. Under rules from the Michigan Bureau of Elections, a watcher observes from a public viewing area and may never touch the pollbook or any voting equipment. Watchers cannot speak with voters, and an election inspector must expel anyone who takes photos or records audio or video inside a polling place.
A watcher who keeps breaking the rules after a warning can be ejected, and inspectors may call law enforcement if that person will not leave.
Section: More Detroit MI politics news
Filed under: Detroit MI Politics News
