Please verify, for muh edgmacation.
1. Michigan election rules (law) has mail-in and absentee ballots /unopened/ until election day.
2. [Clerk] Validation takes place on election day, not before.
3. Local rules apply for including such ballots in the reported totals, provided the in-person voting is sufficiently divided (e.g., the mail/absentee ballots are ignored if the contests are a run-away or unopposed).
3. How much importance is placed on the postmark; who determines any “penumbra” surrounding the same?
4. When are provisional ballots validated and counted (by rule)? And, is it local or statewide decision?
Sorry to not be so deeply knowledgeable of our State rules.
I find it better to get info from a “horses mouth” (you, by experience) rather than the convoluted rabbit warren of State rules.
What I’m looking for are possible opportunities for shenanigans.
I know it’s early so, I can wait.
For about 31 days or so....
sry
“deeply unknowledgeable...”
For your education...
I haven’t dipped my toe in the cesspool that is Michigan elections. I will answer you with knowledge and best guesses.
Question 1 and 2. I believe they open and validate mail in and absentee ballots before election day but they are not entered in to the official tabulation or count until election day. They are run through the machine on election day. This should happen at the County Clerks office.
Question 3. The media usually declares the race. I dont believe the mail ins or absentees are ignored. They are added to the total before certification by the SOS. The public just dont see the total total after certification.
Second number 3. That is where the SOS gets involved. So in Michigan, Bensen I’m sure will make it 3 weeks or something ridiculous. But it’s by rule. Law guides but the SOS has power. Man I miss Ruth Johnson. Bensen is a Jackwagon.
Question number 4. The County Clerks control the process as part of the certification process they have to send to Lansing.
Now for the bonus round. What is my county? Hint: there is and old beer will the same name different spelling.
I hope that helps.