Sixteen Republicans in Michigan who signed a certificate falsely claiming to be electors for Donald Trump in 2020 are facing anger, prosecution and recall efforts. Among them are a mayor, a school board member and a township clerk, all of whom have been charged with eight felony counts each.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the charges on 18 July, making Michigan the first state to prosecute a full slate of false electors involved in the seven-state scheme. The accused met covertly in the basement of the Michigan Republican Party headquarters in December 2020 to sign paperwork falsely claiming to be official electors, an action Nessel described as an attempt to circumvent the electoral college process.
In Wyoming, Michigan, Mayor Kent Vanderwood faces charges for his role. Rosemary Herweyer, a local resident, expressed dismay at Vanderwood's involvement, questioning his integrity. Vanderwood's attorney stated the mayor had no intent to defraud and will not resign. In Shelby Township, Clerk Stanley Grot has been stripped of election administration duties but remains in office, prompting residents to demand his resignation. Grot's lawyer said the charges have no merit.
In Grand Blanc, school board member Amy Facchinello, who previously promoted QAnon conspiracy theories, faces a recall after the Genesee County elections commission approved a filing on 14 August. Michelle Ryder, who filed the recall language, said eight felony charges are not appropriate for a school board member and hopes the community will say 'this isn't who we are.'
The false electors scheme was part of a broader push by Trump and his inner circle to overturn the 2020 election results in seven swing states. All 16 Michigan defendants have pleaded not guilty.
