Local Recount Observers Request Electronic Pollbook Data in Macon Township
Two local observers who were involved in the December 2022 recounts have requested electronic pollbook data from Macon Township for the November 2022 and May 2023 elections. The observers, Nancy Peltcs and Scott Aughney, represent the Election Integrity Force and made their Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request on June 1. However, their request was denied by Macon Township Clerk and FOIA Coordinator Julia DeJonghe Marshall on June 6.
DeJonghe Marshall stated that the information requested would impact the cybersecurity of the township and its voting systems, as it would disclose procedures, methods, results, organizational information system infrastructure, hardware, or software. Lenawee County Clerk Roxann Holloway confirmed that several local clerks throughout the state have received similar FOIA requests regarding electronic pollbook (EPB) data and qualified voter file (QVR) data.
Holloway explained that due to the sensitive and secure nature of this data, it is not publicly released to protect the software design, data architecture, and personal identifiable information for voters. She mentioned that paper copies of the EPB data reports from the election night are available in her office, and individuals can contact the Bureau of Elections for log files or voter history.
Scott Aughney, an independent election investigator, joined Nancy Peltcs in their pursuit of the electronic pollbook data. Aughney claims that public records are being unlawfully deleted and altered in violation of state and federal laws. He also suggested that the laptops used during elections are connecting to the internet via programming on the EPB software.
According to the Michigan Department of State Bureau of Elections’ April 2022 electronic pollbook election inspector manual, the EPB software is downloaded from the qualified voter file software and loaded onto a laptop in preparation for each election. The EPB software automates the process of looking up a voter’s registration record, confirming their registration, and assigning a ballot.
Security measures are maintained throughout the election process using an encrypted flash drive and ensuring the laptop is never connected to any networks. All EPB files are deleted seven days after the final canvass, except in cases of pending recounts, court challenges, or audit/Secretary of State orders.
This issue is not specific to Macon Township, as Aughney mentioned that a FOIA request for EPB data was also denied in Raisin Township. Aughney intends to make similar requests throughout Lenawee County.
Nancy Peltcs and Scott Aughney, representing the Election Integrity Fund and Force, were involved in the December 2022 recounts of Proposals 2 and 3. However, the recounts did not yield enough votes to change the outcomes of the elections.
Overall, there are concerns and requests for electronic pollbook data related to recent elections in Macon Township and other areas. The denial of these FOIA requests highlights the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of voter data while balancing transparency and accountability.
