When CheckMyVote founder Phani Mantravadi watched Sheriff Dar Leaf’s recent video discussing the case of a person who Leaf says had been registered to vote while still a noncitizen, Phani’s reaction was immediate. To him, this was not an abstract election-policy debate. It was remarkably close to the question that had sent him looking for Michigan’s voter file nearly six years ago.

“This was exactly the driving force behind CheckMyVote, that was the seed that grew into what CheckMyVote is today.”

In December 2020, Phani was a legal immigrant from India on the path to American citizenship. He is now a proud naturalized American citizen, but at that time there was one thing he knew with certainty about his own election history: because he was not yet a citizen, there should have been no voting record associated with him. As reports and allegations concerning ineligible registrations and voting circulated after the 2020 general election, Phani began asking a question that was both personal and consequential.

What, exactly, did Michigan’s voter file say about him?

Rather than assuming that the answer was correct, Phani decided to look for himself. He obtained Michigan voter-roll data in December 2020 and began examining it.

That simple act of verification eventually became something far larger: CheckMyVote.

“I Wanted to Check My Own Name”

Phani’s story is important because it explains the philosophy behind CheckMyVote better than any mission statement could. The project was not originally born from a theoretical discussion about election administration. It grew from the experience of a legal immigrant who respected the distinction between being lawfully present in the United States and possessing the uniquely American right to vote. Before becoming a citizen, Phani understood that he was not eligible to participate in federal or Michigan elections. He therefore believed there should be a way to independently verify that the public voter file reflected that reality.

The principle is straightforward. Election integrity should not depend exclusively upon citizens being told that government databases are accurate. Public confidence becomes stronger when citizens can examine public records, understand what those records contain, identify apparent discrepancies, and bring legitimate questions to the officials charged with maintaining those records.

That is what CheckMyVote is.

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Why Sheriff Leaf’s Story Hit So Close to Home

Leaf’s August 28 video concerns a case that he says involves a person whose citizenship application was suspended after authorities discovered that he had been registered to vote while a noncitizen. Leaf has attributed that registration to Michigan’s Customer and Automotive Records System, or CARS, and has raised broader allegations about the interaction between CARS and the Qualified Voter File.

That distinction matters. Michigan’s Department of State says its computerized driver’s-license and state-ID system does not permit a person to be registered to vote when that person provides documentation establishing noncitizen status. The state says employees cannot override that restriction and that additional checks are conducted to identify accidental registrations. Michigan law also restricts voting and voter registration to U.S. citizens. (Michigan.gov)

On August 28, Michigan announced the results of an Office of the Auditor General review and said CARS citizenship information cannot, by itself, reliably establish whether someone is currently eligible to vote. A person may have entered CARS as a noncitizen and subsequently become a naturalized citizen without the CARS record immediately reflecting that change. According to the state, approximately 14,000 to 16,000 people naturalize in Michigan annually, meaning an old CARS designation can produce false positives if treated as definitive evidence of present citizenship status. (Michigan.gov)

The possibility of false positives does not resolve the larger concern. If CARS is capable of causing changes to Michigan’s Qualified Voter File without citizenship eligibility being independently verified at the point that change occurs that represents an unacceptable vulnerability in election infrastructure. Even though there may be false positives, it is unacceptable that the CARS database can modify Michigan’s Qualified Voter File without checking for citizenship status. This is an example of an engineered loophole in what can be considered critical infrastructure. It is loopholes such as this that make our election systems corruptible.

The appropriate response to a potential vulnerability of this magnitude is not to dismiss questionable records because some may ultimately prove legitimate, but to close the vulnerability, establish reliable citizenship-verification safeguards, and make the process sufficiently transparent that both election officials and the public can verify that only eligible citizens are being added to the voter rolls.

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From One Man Checking His Record to 1,500 Volunteers

What began with Phani obtaining Michigan’s voter file has developed into a citizen-led project that is now operating in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Rhode Island, with more than 1,500 volunteers. The scale has changed dramatically, but Phani sees the mission as fundamentally unchanged. Citizens should be able to examine voter-roll information and identify records that deserve closer review.

CheckMyVote’s approach uses official voter files obtained through public-record processes or public downloads and organizes the information so citizens can examine registrations associated with addresses and identify potential anomalies, including duplicate records, deceased-voter records, unusual registration concentrations, missing apartment or unit information, and changes associated with an address. Potential anomalies are not, by themselves, proof of illegal voting. They are data points that can be researched and, when warranted, submitted to election officials through established legal procedures.

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That work has increasingly attracted public attention. A recent Gateway Pundit report credited CheckMyVote’s analysis with identifying 4,744 duplicate registrations in Michigan as of August 1, 2026 and highlighted Hastings Township Clerk David Olson’s willingness to examine reports submitted by CheckMyVote volunteers.

Hastings, which previously had several duplicate records flagged by CheckMyVote, currently showed zero in the organization’s analysis. Those numbers represent CheckMyVote’s classification of potential duplicate registrations, rather than a finding that 4,744 people voted twice or committed fraud. (The Gateway Pundit)

Automatic Does Not Mean Beyond Verification

Michigan’s automatic voter-registration system was implemented following the 2018 constitutional amendment approved by Michigan voters. The Department of State says only eligible U.S. citizens qualify for automatic voter registration and, beginning June 1, 2026, eligible residents automatically registered or preregistered through qualifying Secretary of State transactions receive mailed instructions explaining how they may opt out. (Michigan.gov)

Phani’s concern is not that every automatic registration is improper, nor that every anomaly proves misconduct. His concern is more fundamental: no system involving millions of records should be considered beyond independent verification simply because the process is automated. Databases contain outdated information. People move. People die. Names change. Duplicate records can occur. Immigration and citizenship status can change, as Phani’s own life demonstrates. The answer to those realities is a system in which discrepancies can be identified, examined, explained, and corrected.

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Restoring Confidence Through Transparency

Nearly six years ago, Phani was not yet an American citizen. He simply wanted to make certain Michigan’s voter records understood that fact. Today, as a naturalized American citizen, he leads an organization with more than 1,500 volunteers across five states that are asking versions of the same question about the public records in their own communities.

Visit CheckMyVote.org to explore the voter-roll tools, learn more about the project, or get involved with its citizen-led work.

For several years, CheckMyVote volunteers have been doing something remarkably straightforward: examining publicly available voter-registration data, identifying records that appear to warrant review, and sending those findings directly to local clerks across Michigan. The work is methodical, often tedious, and rarely glamorous. But every so often, a local official demonstrates exactly why this kind of citizen participation can matter.

Hastings Charter Township Clerk David Olson is one of those officials.

CheckMyVote founder Phani Mantravadi recently highlighted Olson after the clerk publicly asked federal officials for assistance verifying citizenship within his township’s voter rolls. Olson’s request follows allegations from Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf that a confidential informant inside the Michigan Secretary of State’s office raised concerns about how Michigan’s Customer and Automotive Records System, or CARS, interacts with automatic voter registration. Those allegations have now been referred for federal attention, but they have not yet been independently established as fact by Michigan officials or a court.

What makes Olson particularly noteworthy to CheckMyVote, however, is that our experience with his office began well before the current controversy.

Phani: This Is What Diligence and Public Service Look Like

Phani explained why Olson’s response stood out:

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For those following election administration in Michigan, another significant development has emerged involving attorney Kevin Kijewski and Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop. The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has officially concluded its review of an incident involving Bishop and her husband, finding “no criminal conduct occurred.” The state also confirmed that there was no attempt to access Michigan’s Qualified Voter File and that investigators found no evidence that sensitive county files were accessed.

For CheckMyVote, this outcome is important because of what the official findings ultimately established after months of controversy surrounding Bishop. Serious questions were raised, the Michigan State Police referred the matter to the Attorney General, and Bishop faced significant public scrutiny. Now the state’s own investigation has concluded without a finding of criminal wrongdoing.

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What the Investigation Actually Found

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On Monday, August 24, the Michigan Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to consider whether the petition signatures submitted for the proposed constitutional amendment satisfy the requirements necessary for the proposal to appear before Michigan voters.

Americans for Citizen Voting–Michigan submitted more than 709,800 petition signatures, substantially more than the 446,198 signatures required. Michigan News Source reported, however, that after the Bureau of Elections evaluated a 1,000-signature sample, it estimated approximately 434,423 signatures would qualify, leaving the proposal roughly 12,000 signatures below the threshold. The Board of State Canvassers will ultimately consider the matter.

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For CheckMyVote, the larger issue extends beyond a single petition or election. Our work is centered on the accuracy of voter-registration records and giving citizens tools to examine publicly available voter-file information. Accurate records matter because voter rolls form part of the foundation upon which elections are administered.

The proposed Michigan amendment would establish additional citizenship-verification requirements, create a process for addressing registrations where citizenship cannot be confirmed, modify Michigan’s identification requirements, and provide access to citizenship documentation for qualifying low-income residents.

The signature-review controversy also illustrates why election data and transparent procedures matter. More than 700,000 signatures were physically submitted, while the Bureau’s estimate of validity is based on its review of a sample. Understanding how those samples are selected, reviewed, challenged, and ultimately certified is an important part of understanding how Michigan’s initiative process operates.

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A National Petition on Voter-Roll Verification

CheckMyVote is working with Fight Voter Fraud to bring attention to a separate national petition concerning voter-roll verification.

The petition asks Secretaries of State across the country, along with the officials responsible for elections in Alaska, Hawaii, and Utah, to verify voter-roll citizenship information using available federal resources, including the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, system.

Fight Voter Fraud describes its request simply: states should examine their voter rolls, verify their accuracy, and report what they find. The organization points to North Carolina’s use of federal citizenship-verification resources as a model it believes other states should consider.

Readers who want to review the petition themselves and add their names can access it here:

Read the National Voter Roll Petition

Fight Voter Fraud also says people interested in obtaining physical copies or helping collect signatures can contact the organization directly.

Fight Voter Fraud

Michigan Board of State Canvassers Meets August 24

Phani Mantravadi is encouraging Michiganders from across the political spectrum who care about transparent and accurately administered elections to attend Monday’s meeting and hear the proceedings firsthand:

“This should not be about party lines. People who care about election integrity and fair elections need to show up in numbers. The Michigan Board of State Canvassers meeting is in Lansing at 10:00 a.m., and citizens will have an opportunity to share their comments publicly. The meeting will be held at the Binsfeld Office Building, Room 1100, 201 Townsend Street, Lansing, Michigan 48933. Public comment comes at the end of the meeting.

It is also important for people to read the Fight Voter Fraud national petition concerning voter-roll verification and, if they agree with what it asks, add their names. Citizen participation and accurate voter rolls should matter regardless of political affiliation.”

Readers who want to review the petition and decide whether to sign can do so here:

Read the Fight Voter Fraud National Petition

Michigan Board of State Canvassers Meeting: Monday, August 24 at 10:00 a.m., Binsfeld Office Building, Room 1100, 201 Townsend Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Public comment is scheduled for the end of the meeting.

Accurate Records Are the Foundation

Regardless of where someone stands on a particular proposed amendment, CheckMyVote’s underlying work remains focused on voter-roll accuracy and transparency. Our volunteers examine publicly available voter-registration information, identify records that may be inaccurate or outdated, compare available datasets, and work through lawful procedures to bring potential discrepancies to the attention of election officials.

Citizen involvement begins with information. That means understanding what is contained in voter files, understanding how records are maintained, understanding how election rules operate, and knowing how citizens can participate in the governmental processes surrounding those rules.

The national petition is one of the current efforts addressing those questions.

Review the petition here

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Stay Involved With CheckMyVote

Visit CheckMyVote.org to learn more about voter-roll transparency and the citizen-led work being done with publicly available voter-registration data. You can also sign up for V-ALERTS and subscribe for continuing updates about voter-roll accuracy, election records, and election administration.

For years, CheckMyVote has argued that election transparency depends on something very basic: the records necessary to understand and examine an election must remain available. Citizens cannot meaningfully evaluate election administration if important underlying records are unavailable, incomplete, or destroyed before legitimate questions can be examined.

That principle is now at the center of a significant Michigan lawsuit. Attorney Kevin Kijewski filed suit on behalf of Bridgewater Township Clerk Michelle McQueer challenging a Michigan rule that, according to the complaint, requires clerks to delete electronic poll book software and associated files within seven days after an election is certified. Kijewski argues that the requirement potentially conflicts with federal election-record preservation law, which requires covered records relating to voting in federal elections to be retained for 22 months.

Before we could even publish our original article about the lawsuit, there was an important development: the Michigan Court of Claims ordered the electronic poll book software and associated files at issue to be preserved while the case proceeds.

Transparency Requires Records

CheckMyVote founder Phani Mantravadi has been outspoken about what he sees as a broader problem with election administration under Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. In response to the lawsuit, he praised Kijewski for putting the issue before a court with detailed factual and legal arguments.

“Jocelyn Benson has time and again violated election laws by making up her own rules as she pleases. It is to be noted that she has exhibited a pattern of circumventing the MI Legislature when it comes to making up rules that hinder transparency while allowing systemic election corruption to continue, including allowing non-citizens to vote in our elections.”

Phani continued:

“Constitutional attorneys like Kevin Kijewski provide much hope for Michigan. He lays out the case in a professional way with facts and exhibits. Bravo Kevin Kijewski. I pray justice prevails on this case.”

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The “Pick a Crime” Dilemma

Kijewski has described the position facing his client with three words: “PICK A CRIME.” According to his account, the state rule directs McQueer to delete electronic poll book records from the August 4 primary within seven days of certification, while federal law requires certain election records relating to federal elections to be retained for 22 months.

The lawsuit cites 52 U.S.C. § 20701, which generally requires election officers to preserve covered records relating to acts requisite to voting in federal elections for 22 months. A companion provision, § 20702, provides criminal penalties for willfully destroying, concealing, mutilating, or altering records required to be retained. The central question for the court is whether the particular electronic poll book files covered by Michigan’s rule fall within those federal preservation requirements.

According to Kijewski, McQueer attempted to resolve the issue before going to court. She wrote Secretary Benson and Michigan’s Director of Elections on July 6 asking how she was supposed to comply with the potentially conflicting requirements. Kijewski says she waited 37 days without receiving an answer before the lawsuit was filed.

Why These Electronic Records Matter

Electronic poll book files contain information that may not be completely reproduced elsewhere, including activity logs, timestamps, ballot transactions, and operator actions. Deleting the underlying files results in permanent loss of information that is critical to election officials, courts, attorneys, journalists, researchers, or citizens attempting to understand how an election was administered.

This goes directly to the work we do at CheckMyVote. Our volunteers examine publicly available voter information, compare records, identify potentially inaccurate or outdated registrations, document discrepancies, and work through lawful processes to bring those findings to election officials. That work has taught us that preserving information is fundamentally different from alleging wrongdoing. Keeping records does not prove that something improper happened. It simply preserves the ability to determine what happened.

Investigative reporter Patty McMurray has also helped bring substantial public attention to the case and the arguments advanced by McQueer and Kijewski. Her reporting is important because technical election-administration policies can have significant consequences while receiving relatively little public scrutiny.

Read Patty McMurray’s report on the case

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The Court Steps In

The case moved remarkably quickly. According to Kijewski, the complaint was filed Wednesday afternoon. By Thursday morning, the Michigan Court of Claims had ordered the disputed records preserved.

Kijewski reported that the court directed defendants to preserve “the electronic pollbook software and associated files” securely while the matter remains pending. He summarized the practical effect simply: “Nothing gets deleted while a judge decides which law controls.”

The preservation order does not by itself resolve the ultimate merits of the lawsuit or establish that Michigan’s rule is unlawful. What it does accomplish is critically important: the records will remain available while the court determines the legal questions before it. The court has also placed the case on an expedited schedule, with the state’s response due August 20 because, in the court’s words as quoted by Kijewski, the deletion date “is fast approaching.”

Transparency Requires Preservation

This dispute reaches beyond the August primary because Kijewski says the same deletion rule would apply to the November election. Michigan’s clerks deserve clarity about what electronic records must be preserved before another major election occurs, and citizens deserve confidence that records necessary for legitimate examination will remain available.

For CheckMyVote, the principle is simple. We cannot analyze what no longer exists, and we cannot independently examine records that have already been destroyed.

That is why we consider the court’s preservation order an important victory for transparency. The underlying case will continue, the state will have an opportunity to respond, and the court will ultimately determine which legal requirements control. In the meantime, however, the records exist, and the records will remain preserved.

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Get Involved With CheckMyVote

Visit CheckMyVote.org to check your address and learn more about our citizen-led work examining publicly available voter information. Sign up for V-ALERTS to monitor activity associated with voter records at your residence, subscribe to the CheckMyVote newsletter for continuing election-integrity and voter-roll updates, and learn how you can help bring CheckMyVote’s voter-roll transparency tools to your state.

A months-long citizen review of Detroit’s 2020 absentee ballot records reports a substantial discrepancy between the number of absentee ballots officially counted and the envelopes produced through public-record requests. CheckMyVote helped turn nearly a million election documents into searchable, voter-linked data.

More than five years after the 2020 election, a citizen-led examination of Detroit absentee voting records is raising new questions about the documentation underlying tens of thousands of absentee ballots.

The investigation, reported by Patty McMurray of The Gateway Pundit, involved records obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests and subsequent litigation by researcher Yehuda Miller. Nearly one million pages of election materials were ultimately obtained, including absentee ballot applications, envelopes, poll books and other records. CheckMyVote founder Phani Mantravadi then helped organize and upload those materials so that more than 100 volunteers could systematically examine them.

Detroit’s official reconciliation information reported 174,384 absentee ballots, while the citizen investigation says only 155,487 absentee ballot envelopes were produced through the records process. After months of data entry, matching and repeated reviews, the investigators say their analysis identified 26,901 reported absentee ballots for which they could not match a legally required accompanying envelope in the records they reviewed.

How the CheckMyVote Review Was Conducted

The project began its detailed absentee-envelope review in December 2025 and

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Investigative journalist James O’Keefe has brought renewed national attention to Michigan’s voter registration system with an undercover investigation involving individuals whom O’Keefe Media Group exposed are non-U.S. citizens and registered voters in Michigan.

As our founder Phani Mantravadi emphasized after seeing the coverage, a huge debt of gratitude is owed to James O’Keefe and his team for taking information that had been developed through months of research and pursuing it further through investigative journalism.

At the same time, this story demonstrates what can happen when researchers, journalists, citizen volunteers, public agencies, and publicly available voter information intersect. There are several people and organizations whose work contributed to the chain of research that ultimately preceded O’Keefe’s investigation, and we believe each deserves recognition.

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Recently, CheckMyVote founder Phani shared a brief story from a visit to a voting center that quickly resonated with many people involved in election administration and election integrity discussions. Rather than making a speech or delivering a presentation, he used three everyday items to illustrate a point that has become part of a broader national conversation about voter registration and election verification.

According to Phani, he placed his U.S. passport on the table and said, “Proof of citizenship.”

He then placed his driver’s license beside it and said, “Proof of address.”

Finally, pointing to himself, he added, “Proof of life.”

He recalled that the poll workers appreciated the simplicity of the demonstration, and the exchange led to a friendly conversation about voter verification and the various ways states seek to maintain accurate voter registration records.

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Three Documents, Three Different Purposes

Although the interaction lasted only a few moments, it touched on three separate concepts that are frequently discussed in election administration.

Proof of citizenship relates to whether an individual meets the legal qualifications to register to vote. Proof of address helps determine the correct jurisdiction, precinct, and ballot style assigned to a voter. Proof of life, while not a legal election term, was Phani’s way of emphasizing that voter registration records should correspond to real, current individuals.

His demonstration was not presented as an official election procedure. Rather, it was a simple illustration intended to highlight the different categories of information that are often discussed when people talk about voter registration systems and election administration.

A Conversation Happening Across the Country

Phani’s story has been shared by a number of election integrity-focused accounts on social media, where many commenters viewed it as an easy-to-understand illustration of broader discussions surrounding voter registration verification.

Among those who commented publicly was True the Vote, which wrote:

“Citizenship. Address. Proof of life.

Three things every voter roll is supposed to confirm — and he confirmed all three himself, in under a minute, without being asked.

If a voter can do it that easily, so can a state.”

The anecdote has become part of a wider online conversation about election administration, voter registration procedures, and the methods states use to verify eligibility.

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Why CheckMyVote Pays Attention

At CheckMyVote, our work centers on voter roll transparency through the analysis of publicly available voter registration data. Our volunteers review records, identify information that may warrant further review, and provide data-driven findings to election officials through established legal processes.

Maintaining accurate voter registration records is an ongoing administrative responsibility. People move, change names, become newly eligible to vote, or otherwise update their records over time. Careful review of voter registration data can help identify records that may require verification or correction, contributing to the overall accuracy of voter rolls.

Stories like the one Phani shared remind us that public conversations about elections often begin with straightforward questions about how voter registration systems work and how they are maintained. Whether those conversations take place at a polling location, in a legislative hearing, or around a kitchen table, they reflect continued public interest in understanding the election process.

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Stay Informed

At CheckMyVote, we remain committed to helping citizens better understand voter registration records, election administration, and the importance of accurate public data.

If you’re interested in learning more about voter roll transparency, exploring publicly available voter data, or following developments related to election administration, subscribe to our newsletter for future updates.

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The CheckMyVote Address Monitoring Alert System allows you to track voter registration activity tied to your address using official state voter roll data. Most Americans have no visibility into who is registered at their home, when changes occur, or whether voter records are accurate.

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Election administration depends on public confidence, and public confidence depends on accurate voter registration records. Voters expect that registration systems will function as intended and that eligibility requirements will be applied consistently. When “errors” occur within those systems, they naturally raise questions about oversight, quality control, and the safeguards designed to protect the integrity of the registration process.

That is why New Jersey’s recent announcement regarding its automatic voter registration system has attracted national attention. The issue has generated discussion not only because of the number of registrations involved, but also because it exposes the challenges of managing large statewide voter databases that interact with multiple government agencies and technology vendors. While investigations continue, the incident serves as an example of why election administration requires continual review, transparency, and accountability.

What State Officials Say Happened

On July 21, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that state officials had identified what the administration described as a serious error involving the Motor Vehicle Commission’s automatic voter registration process. According to the Governor’s office, approximately 6,600 individuals who indicated they were not United States citizens while applying for driver’s licenses or identification cards were added to New Jersey’s voter registration rolls between June 2023 and June 2024. Governor Sherrill explained that she became aware of the matter only recently following a review of the system.

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The Vendor Disputes the Explanation

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Social media has once again placed election integrity at the center of the national conversation, and for good reason.

Over the past several days, a short video shared on X by @Real_RobN has spread rapidly across the internet, generating hundreds of thousands of views and prompting renewed discussion about mail-in voting, voter records, and election transparency. The clip has become a focal point for broader conversations about how voter histories are maintained and how citizens can independently verify the accuracy of their own records.

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The video serves as a reminder of something CheckMyVote has emphasized from the beginning: every American should have the ability to easily review their own voter information and understand what appears in their election history.

Election administration depends on accurate voter registration records. Local election officials continually update voter rolls to reflect changes such as voters moving, deaths, name changes, and other registration updates. Maintaining accurate records is an ongoing process that involves government agencies, election officials, and, in many cases, citizen participation.

Stories circulating online about unexpected voter history entries or registration discrepancies often generate public concern, and rightly so. They also highlight a broader point: people benefit from understanding what information appears in their own voter records and how to review it.

Check My Vote

CheckMyVote encourage citizens to review publicly available voter registration information, identify potential discrepancies, and report concerns through the appropriate election officials. Volunteers may also assist by reviewing publicly available voter registration data and flagging records that appear to warrant further review, such as outdated addresses, duplicate registrations, or other inconsistencies. Any determination about whether a record should be updated ultimately rests with the appropriate election authorities following applicable legal procedures.

Maintaining accurate voter rolls serves several important purposes. It helps election officials communicate effectively with registered voters, reduces administrative errors, supports efficient election administration, and contributes to public confidence that voter registration records are as accurate and current as possible.

Whether someone votes regularly or only occasionally, periodically reviewing their own registration information is a practical step. Verifying that your name, address, and registration status are current can help avoid problems before an election.

Public confidence in elections is critical to the future of our nation. Accurate voter rolls benefit voters, election administrators, and the electoral process alike.

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The Viral Video

The approximately 53-second video appears to show a woman reviewing what is described as her voter history on a computer screen during what looks to be an informal gathering.

During the recording, the woman reacts with visible surprise and frustration as someone points to entries on the screen. According to the caption accompanying the post, she voted only once in a presidential election, while the displayed history allegedly reflects participation in additional elections that she says she did not cast herself. This is a huge problem that Check My Vote urges all Americans to become active on toensure their votes are cast properly!

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Why Election Records Matter

Whether this particular situation ultimately proves to be an administrative misunderstanding, an isolated error, or something requiring additional investigation, it highlights an issue that deserves attention.

Most Americans rarely review their voter registration information or election participation history. Many assume everything is accurate simply because they have never encountered a reason to check.

Yet voter files, registration databases, and election records are maintained by thousands of local jurisdictions. Like any large database, records occasionally require correction or updating. Election officials routinely process address changes, registration updates, absentee ballot requests, cancellations, and voter history information throughout every election cycle.

For that reason alone, periodically reviewing your own voter information is a reasonable step regardless of your political affiliation.

Transparency begins with knowing what information exists under your own name.

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At CheckMyVote, our mission has never been to tell people what to believe.

Our mission is to help citizens verify information for themselves.

Rather than relying solely on headlines, viral social media posts, or speculation, CheckMyVote provides tools that allow individuals to review voter registration information, monitor changes associated with their residence, and better understand publicly available election records.

An informed voter is an empowered voter.

Election transparency begins with giving citizens access to information that directly affects them.

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The Debate Over Election Reform Continues

The viral video has also renewed discussion surrounding the proposed SAVE America Act, legislation that has been debated in Congress in various forms.

Among its publicly discussed provisions are documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration, stricter identification requirements for certain voting methods, and additional verification procedures intended to strengthen election administration.

These common sense measures would increase confidence in election integrity and reduce opportunities for improper registrations.

Don’t Wait Until Election Day

One lesson emerges from stories like this regardless of the eventual outcome. Do not assume someone else is monitoring your voter information. Take a few minutes to review your own records before the next election, verify that your registration is accurate, and remain informed throughout the voting process.

Being proactive is far easier than discovering a potential issue after ballots have already been cast.

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Stay Informed This August

As we prepare for the upcoming August Primary, CheckMyVote is making it even easier for voters to stay informed.

For a one-time charge of just $9, you can subscribe to our August Primary Ballot Alerts and receive push notifications designed to help you stay aware of activity associated with your voter record throughout the election period.

These alerts are intended to provide timely information so you can monitor your voter information and remain engaged throughout the primary election.

Visit CheckMyVote.org to learn more about our voter transparency tools, verify your registration information, and subscribe to August Primary Ballot Alerts today.

At CheckMyVote, our endorsements are not intended to be permanent. They are based on our evaluation of candidates, their public records, their stated positions, and our organization’s mission of promoting election integrity, government transparency, and constitutional governance. As campaigns evolve, we believe it is appropriate to periodically review those endorsements and determine whether they continue to reflect our assessment.

After conducting that review, CheckMyVote has formally withdrawn its previous endorsement of Aric Nesbitt in the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race. At the same time, we are announcing that our current endorsement is Perry Johnson.

Why We Revisited Our Endorsement

Our endorsement process has always been guided by principles rather than personalities. We believe organizations that issue endorsements also have a responsibility to reevaluate them as campaigns develop and new public actions occur.

One factor considered during our review was Aric Nesbitt’s public endorsement of Congressman John James. That endorsement prompted additional discussion within our organization regarding the direction of the campaign and whether our previous endorsement continued to reflect our current evaluation. After reviewing the available information, we concluded that it did not.

This decision reflects our own organizational review process. Our goal is to remain consistent with the standards we apply to every candidate who seeks our support.

About Perry Johnson

Perry Johnson brings a significantly different background to the gubernatorial race than many traditional candidates for public office. A longtime Michigan resident and businessman, Johnson earned a degree in mathematics from the University of Illinois before building several companies focused on quality management systems, ISO certification, and organizational efficiency.

Throughout his career, Johnson has worked with manufacturers and businesses seeking to improve operational performance through measurable standards and accountability. He has also authored numerous books on quality management and business systems, building a career around the principle that organizations perform best when they operate with clear standards, transparency, and continuous evaluation.

Johnson first sought the Republican nomination for Governor in 2022. Although his campaign ended after petition signature issues prevented him from appearing on the ballot, he continued his involvement in public policy and later entered the 2024 Republican presidential primary before ending that campaign and endorsing President Donald Trump.

For the 2026 gubernatorial race, Johnson has centered his campaign on reducing the size and cost of state government, proposing a Michigan Efficiency Government Audit, advocating for elimination of Michigan’s state income tax, supporting property tax reform, and emphasizing fiscal accountability and government efficiency.

More information about Perry Johnson and his campaign is available at PerryJohnson.com.

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CheckMyVote’s Mission Remains the Same

While candidates and campaigns change, the mission of CheckMyVote remains constant.

Our organization exists to promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence in elections by providing citizens with data-driven tools that allow them to better understand voter registration records and election administration. Every endorsement we issue is evaluated through that lens, and every endorsement remains subject to review as circumstances evolve.

We recognize that reasonable people may reach different conclusions about political candidates. Our responsibility is to remain transparent about our own evaluation process and to continue applying the same standards consistently.

From the Founder

While traveling in Europe recently, I was reminded of something that is easy to overlook when we spend our lives here in America.

Many people understandably take for granted what our country offers because it has always been part of their everyday experience. Stepping outside the United States has a way of putting that into perspective. It reinforces an appreciation for what the American Founders envisioned and the constitutional framework they worked so hard to establish.

Someone asked me during my travels why I love America.

My answer was simple.

“America doesn’t take shit from anyone, and that’s one of the reasons I love America.”

Behind that statement is a deeper appreciation for the resilience, independence, and spirit that have defined our nation throughout its history. The freedoms Americans enjoy today were secured through extraordinary sacrifice and have been preserved by generations willing to defend them.

Those freedoms should never be taken for granted. They are worth protecting, and they are worth every sacrifice required to preserve them.

— Phani Mantravadi
Founder, CheckMyVote

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Election integrity depends on informed citizens.

Visit CheckMyVote.org to verify your voter registration information and explore our election transparency tools.

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Subscribe to Daily Absentee Ballot Alerts for Michigan to monitor absentee ballot activity at your residence during the current election cycle.

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A significant development occurred this week in Michigan election administration as the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, under Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, sent a formal letter to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson outlining the state’s obligations under multiple federal election laws and requesting a response within five days describing how Michigan intends to ensure compliance.

Many election integrity advocates have described this letter as one of the strongest federal communications directed toward Michigan election officials in recent years. Regardless of one’s political perspective, the letter makes clear that the Department of Justice intends to closely examine compliance with federal statutes governing voter eligibility, voter roll maintenance, election record preservation, and the administration of federal elections.

What the Department of Justice Letter Says and CheckMyVote Weighs In:

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After spending time speaking directly with State Representative Gina Johnsen and reviewing both her record and her vision for Michigan, CheckMyVote is proud to endorse Gina Johnsen for Michigan State Senate, District 33.

Our conversation with Representative Johnsen reinforced something that has become increasingly rare in politics today: a candidate who not only talks about constitutional principles but has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to fight for them, even when doing so comes with political pressure, criticism, or personal cost.

A Lifetime of Service and Leadership

Gina Johnsen is a community leader, mother, business professional, and lifelong Michigander who was born and raised in the Lansing area. For more than twenty years, she has served the people of Michigan through the healthcare industry, grassroots political activism, and efforts to empower and unify Christians to become engaged in public life.

Her background reflects a deep commitment to service and practical problem-solving. Unlike many career politicians, Gina brings real-world experience to government and understands that public office is ultimately about serving people and helping solve their problems.

During our interview, she explained that much of legislative service has little to do with public appearances and everything to do with helping constituents navigate government agencies, standing up to bureaucratic overreach, and ensuring that state departments are actually serving the people instead of burdening them. She described the countless hours spent helping families, foster parents, small businesses, and ordinary citizens who have been unable to get answers from an increasingly unresponsive government.

That perspective matters.

Government exists to serve the people, not the other way around.

Support Gina Johnson

A Proven Fighter Against Government Overreach

One of the qualities that stood out most during our conversation with Gina was her willingness to challenge powerful institutions when she believes they have exceeded their authority.

She spoke extensively about her efforts to push back against state agencies that she believes have become intrusive, abusive, and disconnected from the people they are supposed to serve. She described working on behalf of farmers, hunters, fishermen, meat processors, and small businesses that have faced increasing pressure from state regulators.

One particularly powerful example involved local meat processors across Michigan. After these processors worked around the clock during the disruptions of 2020 to ensure Michigan families had access to food, they were later threatened with regulations that could have forced many of them to shut their doors.

Rather than standing by, Gina helped organize legal action to protect these businesses and preserve an important part of Michigan’s agricultural infrastructure. As she explained during our interview, these local processors are critical to Michigan’s food supply and way of life.

This willingness to fight for Michigan’s communities and industries demonstrates the type of leadership we believe voters deserve.

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A Champion for Parents and Educational Accountability

Representative Johnsen has also distinguished herself as a strong advocate for parental rights and local control in education.

During our discussion, she described her efforts to oppose statewide educational mandates that she believes disregard the voices of parents and local communities. She expressed concerns about policies that prioritize controversial social issues at the expense of core academic subjects such as reading, mathematics, and science.

More importantly, she has taken legislative action to ensure that major educational changes cannot simply be imposed without the involvement of elected representatives and the communities they serve.

Whether one agrees with every policy position or not, it is difficult to deny that Gina Johnsen consistently approaches these issues from the perspective that parents should have a meaningful voice in their children’s education and that government should remain accountable to the people.

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Election Integrity Is Foundational

For CheckMyVote, no issue is more important than election integrity.

Without trustworthy elections, every other policy debate becomes secondary.

Throughout our conversation, Gina repeatedly returned to this principle. She stated plainly that election integrity is essential if citizens are to have confidence that their voices matter and that the right people are being elected to represent them.

She supports citizen-only voting, voter identification requirements, and regular maintenance of Michigan’s voter rolls. She spoke about the importance of removing outdated registrations, identifying voters who have moved, and using available technology to maintain accurate and transparent records.

Perhaps most importantly, she understands that these are not difficult problems to solve.

As she noted during our interview, today’s technology makes it entirely possible to maintain accurate voter rolls and implement safeguards that protect both election security and voter confidence.

This perspective aligns closely with the mission of CheckMyVote.

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Too Big to Rig

Another theme that resonated strongly during our discussion was Gina’s belief that citizens themselves have a responsibility to participate.

She repeatedly emphasized that people cannot simply become discouraged and disengage from the political process. Instead, they must vote, remain informed, and continue fighting for their communities and their country.

She spoke passionately about the importance of what many grassroots activists call making elections “too big to rig” by ensuring that citizens who share common values actually show up and vote.

As she reminded us, every vote matters.

History has repeatedly shown that elections can be decided by surprisingly small margins, and citizens who choose not to participate ultimately surrender their voice in the future of their communities.

Why CheckMyVote Is Endorsing Gina Johnsen

At CheckMyVote, we look for candidates who understand that public service is about principles, accountability, and courage.

We look for leaders who are willing to ask difficult questions, challenge government overreach, and fight for election integrity.

We look for candidates who recognize that constitutional government depends upon the active participation of informed citizens and the preservation of public trust.

After our conversation with Gina Johnsen, we believe she embodies those qualities.

She has demonstrated a willingness to fight for her constituents, challenge entrenched bureaucracies, defend parental rights, and advocate for meaningful election reforms that restore confidence in Michigan’s electoral system.

For those reasons, CheckMyVote proudly endorses Gina Johnsen for Michigan State Senate, District 33.

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Get Involved

Learn more about Gina Johnsen and her campaign at: https://www.ginaformichigan.com

And as always, we encourage every Michigan voter to remain engaged in the process:

✔ Check your voter information at CheckMyVote.org.

✔ Sign up for V-ALERTS and monitor changes to voter records associated with your address.

✔ Subscribe to our new Daily Absentee Ballot Alerts for Michigan and stay informed about absentee ballot activity at your residence.

✔ Stay engaged, stay informed, and most importantly, vote.

As we celebrate Independence Day and mark nearly 250 years since the birth of our great nation, we pause to honor the extraordinary men and women who made American independence possible and the enduring principles they entrusted to future generations.

The Founding Fathers did not merely establish a new government. They launched one of the most remarkable experiments in human history: a constitutional republic founded upon the belief that our rights come not from kings, governments, or political parties, but from our Creator. They understood that liberty, self-government, and the rule of law were precious gifts that would require constant vigilance and stewardship if they were to endure.

This Fourth of July is a time for family gatherings, fireworks, and celebration, but it is also an opportunity to reflect upon the tremendous sacrifices that secured our freedom. The men and women of the American Revolution pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in pursuit of a simple but revolutionary idea: that a free people should govern themselves.

Years later, as the Constitutional Convention concluded in Philadelphia, a woman named Elizabeth Willing Powel reportedly asked Benjamin Franklin what form of government had been created. Franklin’s response has echoed throughout American history:

“A republic, if you can keep it.”

There is profound wisdom contained in those six words.

A republic is not self-sustaining. Freedom does not perpetuate itself. Independence is not guaranteed simply because it was won by previous generations. Every generation inherits the responsibility to preserve and protect the blessings of liberty that have been passed down to them.

The American people remain free only so long as they remain engaged, informed, and willing to defend the principles upon which this nation was founded. Constitutional rights, transparent government, and accountable institutions require active citizens who understand that self-government is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Nearly 250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the struggle to preserve our republic continues. The challenges may look different than they did in 1776, but the fundamental principle remains the same: eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.

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At CheckMyVote, we believe that transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement are essential to preserving our constitutional republic. Trust in our institutions can only be maintained when citizens are informed, empowered, and willing to participate in the work of self-government. The work of safeguarding liberty never truly ends, and neither does our commitment to doing our part.

As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us recommit ourselves to the vision of our Founders and to the principles that unite us as Americans: faith, liberty, personal responsibility, self-government, and the rule of law.

From all of us at CheckMyVote.org, we wish you and your family a joyful, safe, and meaningful Fourth of July.

At CheckMyVote, our endorsements are not based on party labels, political connections, or campaign slogans. We support candidates who demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency, accountability, constitutional governance, and restoring public confidence in our elections. After speaking directly with State Representative Joseph Fox and reviewing both his record and his vision for Michigan’s future, we are proud to endorse him for Michigan’s 33rd State Senate District.

Joseph Fox brings something increasingly rare to public office: a willingness to speak plainly about difficult issues. During our conversation, he repeatedly emphasized that his campaign is not about advancing a political career. Rather, it is about preserving the principles and freedoms that he believes future generations deserve to inherit. As a husband of forty-seven years, father of four, grandfather of fourteen, pastor, missionary, educator, and public servant, Fox views leadership through the lens of stewardship rather than personal ambition. His guiding verse, Psalm 71:18, speaks of declaring God’s power to the next generation, and that commitment was evident throughout our discussion.

From Public Service to Public Accountability

Fox currently serves as State Representative for Michigan’s 101st House District and has spent decades serving others through education, ministry, senior services, and community leadership. His campaign website highlights his extensive background as a Christian school administrator, teacher, pastor, missionary, and advocate for families throughout West Michigan. His experience working directly with people has given him a practical understanding of the challenges facing Michigan communities and has reinforced his belief that government exists to serve citizens, not the other way around.

What particularly stood out during our interview was Fox’s insistence that transparency should be the default position of government. He expressed concern that citizens too often encounter obstacles when attempting to access election records, voter registration information, and other public data. In his view, modern technology should make transparency easier than ever before. Instead, many citizens and election integrity organizations find themselves fighting unnecessary barriers when simply seeking information that belongs to the public.

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A Strong Voice for Election Integrity

Election integrity is not a secondary issue for Joseph Fox. It is one of the reasons he entered public service. Following the events of 2020, Fox and his wife became increasingly involved in efforts to understand election administration and voter roll maintenance in Michigan. That involvement eventually led him to become Vice Chair of Michigan’s Election Integrity Committee, where he has worked alongside citizens, researchers, and election transparency advocates seeking answers to legitimate questions about voter registration records and election processes.

Throughout our conversation, Fox consistently returned to a simple principle: transparency builds trust. He believes voter rolls should be accurate, regularly maintained, and subject to meaningful public oversight. He voiced support for public access to voter roll information, election audits, election records, and transparency tools that allow citizens to verify information independently. These positions align closely with CheckMyVote’s mission of empowering citizens through public data and civic engagement.

Fox also emphasized that election integrity should never be viewed as a partisan issue. Whether someone votes Republican, Democrat, Independent, or chooses not to affiliate with any party at all, every voter benefits from clean voter rolls, transparent processes, and public confidence in election outcomes. The goal is not political advantage. The goal is trust.

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Faith, Family, and Constitutional Principles

The foundation of Joseph Fox’s campaign is his faith. His website makes clear that his worldview is rooted in Biblical principles and a belief that strong families are the cornerstone of a healthy society. He advocates for parental involvement in education, constitutional freedoms, protection of religious liberty, and policies that strengthen families and local communities.

During our discussion, Fox spoke candidly about the importance of courage in public life. He shared stories of speaking openly about election integrity and constitutional principles even when doing so invited criticism or political pressure. Rather than avoiding controversy, he believes elected officials have a responsibility to address difficult issues directly and honestly.

That willingness to stand firm on principle is one of the reasons CheckMyVote believes Joseph Fox deserves serious consideration from Michigan voters.

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Why CheckMyVote Is Endorsing Joseph Fox

At its core, CheckMyVote exists to promote transparency, accountability, and confidence in elections. We believe citizens deserve access to information, meaningful oversight, and leaders who welcome public scrutiny rather than fear it.

Joseph Fox demonstrated throughout our interview that he understands those principles. He supports greater transparency in election administration. He supports public access to information. He supports accountability within government. Most importantly, he understands that public trust is earned through openness, honesty, and a willingness to answer difficult questions.

For those reasons, CheckMyVote proudly endorses Joseph Fox for Michigan State Senate District 33.

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Support CheckMyVote

CheckMyVote is working every day to restore transparency and accountability to our election systems.

Visit CheckMyVote.org to:

• Check who is registered at your address

• Sign up for CMV’s V-ALERTS notification system

• Support election transparency efforts nationwide

• Help expand CheckMyVote into additional states

Election integrity begins with informed citizens. Transparency builds trust, and trust is essential to preserving our republic.

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Michigan’s August 4, 2026 Primary Election is rapidly approaching, and according to data released by the Michigan Secretary of State, more than 1.5 million absentee ballots have already been sent to voters across the state. Nearly 2,000 voters have already returned their absentee ballots and cast their votes.

Most Michigan residents have no way of knowing whether an absentee ballot has been sent to their address, whether someone they do not recognize is receiving election mail at their residence, or whether a ballot has already been cast from their address. Until now, that information has largely remained out of sight and out of mind for ordinary citizens.

Today, CheckMyVote is proud to announce the launch of our newest election transparency tool: Daily Absentee Ballot Alerts for Michigan.

A New Way to Monitor Activity at Your Address

Every weekday, the Michigan Secretary of State publishes two absentee ballot data files. One file contains the names of voters who have already cast and returned their absentee ballots. The second file contains the names of voters who have been sent an absentee ballot but have not yet returned it.

CheckMyVote now monitors these daily files and allows Michigan residents to receive alerts whenever absentee ballot activity is associated with their address.

This service provides an entirely new level of election transparency. Subscribers can learn if an absentee ballot has been mailed to their residence, if someone has already voted absentee from their address, or if unfamiliar names appear at their home. In some cases, the alerts may identify former residents, previous tenants, or individuals who should no longer be associated with the property.

The purpose of this service is simple. Citizens deserve to know what is happening at their own address before Election Day, not months after an election has concluded.

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Why This Service Matters

Election integrity begins with information. Many voter registration issues are discovered only after ballots have already been counted and elections have already been certified. By that point, opportunities to identify and address potential problems may be limited.

This new service empowers Michigan residents to identify potential concerns early and take appropriate action if necessary. If a ballot is sent to someone who no longer lives at your residence, you deserve to know. If someone votes absentee from your address and you do not recognize the name, you deserve to know.

None of these situations automatically indicate fraud or wrongdoing. However, they do represent information that citizens should have access to in a transparent and accountable election system. An informed electorate is one of the strongest safeguards against errors, inaccuracies, and declining public trust.

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How the Service Works

The Daily Absentee Ballot Alerts service is available for a one-time fee of just $9 for the entire August 4, 2026 Michigan Primary Election cycle.

This is not a monthly subscription and there are no recurring charges. Subscribers pay once, and CheckMyVote monitors absentee ballot activity associated with their address through Election Day.

Whenever absentee ballot activity occurs at a monitored address, an alert is generated so the subscriber can stay informed about what is happening at their residence in near real time.

Currently Available Only in Michigan

At this time, Daily Absentee Ballot Alerts are available exclusively for Michigan voters. Because the service is powered directly by data released by the Michigan Secretary of State, CheckMyVote is able to provide timely and accurate notifications using official public election information.

As CheckMyVote continues to grow and expand its transparency tools, we hope to bring similar services to additional states in the future.

A New Era of Election Transparency

CheckMyVote was founded on a simple principle: read the data, not the headlines.

For years, our mission has been to provide citizens with tools that allow them to engage directly with public election data rather than relying solely on narratives or assumptions. We believe transparency builds trust, accountability strengthens confidence, and informed citizens are essential to preserving our republic.

Daily Absentee Ballot Alerts represent another important step toward that mission. By giving Michigan residents visibility into absentee ballot activity at their own addresses, we are putting actionable information directly into the hands of the people.

If someone is voting from your address, you deserve to know. If an absentee ballot has been mailed to your residence, you deserve to know. If something appears inaccurate or unusual, you deserve the opportunity to ask questions and seek answers.

That is what transparency looks like.

That is what accountability looks like.

And that is exactly why we built this service.

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Sign Up Today

To learn more or to subscribe to Daily Absentee Ballot Alerts, visit: https://mi.checkmyvote.org/

Protect your address. Monitor absentee ballot activity. Stay informed before Election Day.

Because every address matters, every record counts, and every eligible vote deserves to be protected.

Become An Affiliate

Become a CheckMyVote Affiliate

We have also launched an affiliate program for individuals and organizations that want to help spread these election transparency tools. Approved affiliates receive their own referral link and QR code and earn commissions for sharing the service with their audiences.

If you are interested in becoming an affiliate, visit CheckMyVote.org and sign up through our Affiliate Program.

Together, we can continue building the tools, transparency, and public confidence necessary to restore trust in our elections.

At CheckMyVote, endorsements are never given lightly. Our organization was founded on the principles of transparency, accountability, election integrity, and citizen engagement. We believe that elected officials should be evaluated not only by their policy positions, but also by their character, professional experience, and demonstrated commitment to serving the public. In an era when trust in government institutions continues to decline, voters deserve leaders who are willing to engage difficult issues honestly and pursue solutions grounded in facts rather than political convenience.

After spending time speaking with congressional candidate Heather Smiley, reviewing her campaign platform, and discussing her views on election integrity, constitutional governance, and public accountability, we are proud to endorse her candidacy for the United States Congress.

What stood out most during our conversation was Heather’s practical, solutions-oriented approach to public service. Unlike many candidates who enter politics through party organizations or political consulting networks, Heather comes from a career built on real-world problem solving. Her decision to run for Congress was not motivated by personal ambition or a desire to join the political class. Rather, it emerged from years of watching government drift further away from the constitutional principles and common-sense decision-making that many Americans expect from their elected representatives.

Heather’s story reflects a growing movement of citizen leaders who believe the nation needs experienced professionals willing to step forward and serve. Her campaign is rooted in the belief that government should work for the people, remain accountable to the Constitution, and operate with the same level of transparency and responsibility that Americans expect from every other institution in society.

A Problem Solver, Not a Career Politician

Before entering politics, Heather spent more than thirty-two years at Ford Motor Company, where she worked in a wide variety of positions that exposed her to nearly every aspect of organizational leadership and operations. Throughout her career, she served in both union and salaried roles, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges facing workers, management, and the broader economy. Her responsibilities included product development, strategic planning, business transformation, customer service operations, analytics, and global partnerships.

Those experiences provided her with something increasingly uncommon in Washington DC: direct accountability for results. In the private sector, success is measured by performance, efficiency, and outcomes. Problems must be identified, analyzed, and solved. Resources must be managed responsibly. Decisions carry consequences. Heather believes those same standards should apply to government.

During our discussion, she spoke extensively about the importance of understanding root causes rather than merely reacting to symptoms. Whether addressing economic challenges, government spending, election administration, or public policy, she consistently emphasized the need for leaders who are willing to study problems carefully, evaluate available evidence, and implement practical solutions. That mindset has guided her throughout her professional career and now forms the foundation of her campaign for Congress.

Her perspective is especially valuable at a time when political discourse often prioritizes partisan talking points over substantive problem solving. Heather approaches issues as an analyst, a strategist, and a citizen who understands that effective leadership requires more than rhetoric. It requires competence, accountability, and a willingness to make difficult decisions when necessary.

Smiley For Congress

Bringing Data Science and Analytics to Government

One of the most compelling aspects of Heather’s background is her extensive experience in data analytics and organizational transformation. During the latter part of her career at Ford, she worked heavily in analytics, business intelligence, and data-driven decision-making. These experiences shaped how she evaluates public policy and how she believes government institutions should function.

Throughout our interview, Heather repeatedly returned to a simple but powerful concept: good decisions require good data. In both business and government, leaders must be willing to follow facts rather than narratives. They must be willing to identify problems honestly, measure outcomes objectively, and adjust course when evidence demonstrates that changes are necessary.

This philosophy resonates deeply with the mission of CheckMyVote. Our organization was founded on the belief that transparency begins with access to accurate information. Public confidence cannot be built on slogans, assumptions, or blind trust. It must be built on verifiable facts, accessible records, and systems that allow citizens to see for themselves how government operates.

Heather discussed how modern analytics can be used not only to understand what has already happened, but also to identify emerging trends and anticipate future challenges. She described the progression from descriptive analytics to predictive analytics and ultimately to prescriptive analytics, where data is used to guide proactive solutions. That framework has significant implications for election administration, voter roll maintenance, and government accountability generally. Rather than waiting for problems to become crises, Heather believes leaders should use available information to strengthen systems before vulnerabilities can be exploited.

Her analytical background offers a valuable perspective that is often missing in public office. It is one of the many reasons we believe she would bring meaningful expertise and practical problem-solving skills to Congress.

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Support Heather Smiley

If you live in Michigan’s 6th Congressional District and share Heather Smiley’s commitment to constitutional government, election integrity, accountability, and transparency, we encourage you to learn more about her campaign, get involved, and support her efforts.

To learn more, volunteer, or contribute, visit SmileyForCongress.com.

Support CheckMyVote

At CheckMyVote, we believe transparency is the foundation of trust.

Our work is focused on empowering citizens with access to public election data, advancing voter roll transparency, promoting accountability in election administration, and providing tools that allow everyday Americans to participate in safeguarding our electoral process.

Through ongoing investigations, voter roll analysis, public records requests, legal action, educational initiatives, and citizen oversight tools, we continue working to strengthen confidence in our elections through facts, data, and transparency.

Sign Up for CMV V-ALERTS

Subscribe to CMV’s V-ALERTS

Stay informed about voter registration activity connected to your address through CMV’s V-ALERTS (Voter Address Linked Election Record Tracking System).

V-ALERTS allows citizens to monitor voter registration records associated with their residence and receive push notifications when changes occur.

Currently available in:

• Michigan
• Ohio
• Rhode Island

Additional states are being added as CheckMyVote continues to expand nationwide.

Help Expand Election Transparency

Your support helps us:

• Expand voter transparency tools into new states
• Conduct election data analysis and investigations
• Pursue public records and transparency initiatives
• Support legal efforts that advance election accountability
• Educate citizens about election administration and voter roll integrity

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Join the Movement

The future of election integrity depends on informed citizens who are willing to engage, verify, and participate.

Check your address. Review the data. Stay informed.

Visit CheckMyVote.org today.

A recent post from Patty Loves Truth on X has reignited discussion surrounding one of the most widely remembered images from the 2020 election: workers covering windows at Detroit’s TCF Center while absentee ballots were being processed.

Her message was simple:

“Hold tight America. Something big about Detroit’s November 2020 election is about to be revealed.”

The post quickly attracted attention throughout the election integrity community, particularly among Americans who have continued to ask questions about what occurred during ballot processing in Detroit during the unprecedented circumstances of the 2020 election.

For many citizens, the image of cardboard and pizza boxes being placed over windows became symbolic of a larger concern: transparency.

Joycelyn Benson and other officials at the time stated the windows were covered because crowds outside were banging on the glass, photographing workers, and creating disruptions during ballot processing.

The move created the appearance of secrecy at a moment when public confidence required maximum visibility.

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The SAVE America Act should never have been controversial.

At its core, the legislation sought to establish a simple principle that most Americans already believe should be standard practice: proof of citizenship should be required to register to vote in federal elections. The bill also included voter identification requirements and other election security measures designed to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process. Despite passing the House multiple times, the SAVE Act ultimately stalled in the United States Senate and now appears effectively dead for the foreseeable future.

At CheckMyVote, we are deeply disappointed by this outcome.

This was not a fringe issue. Polling has consistently shown broad public support for voter identification and citizenship verification requirements. Americans across political affiliations understand a basic truth: only eligible citizens should be voting in American elections, and election systems should be designed to verify that eligibility whenever possible.

Yet despite repeated promises about election security, Senate leadership failed to deliver.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Republicans faced growing pressure throughout the spring to advance the SAVE Act. President Trump publicly called for action. House Republicans repeatedly passed versions of the legislation. Grassroots organizations, election integrity advocates, and concerned citizens flooded Senate offices with calls demanding movement on the bill. Still, the legislation never reached the finish line.

The explanation offered was procedural.

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Supporters were told there were not enough votes to overcome the Senate filibuster. We were told there were limitations on what could be done under Senate rules. We were told there were other legislative priorities that needed attention first.

The American people have heard enough procedural excuses.

Election integrity is not a secondary issue. It is not a distraction. It is not something that can be postponed until a more convenient time. Confidence in elections forms the foundation of representative government. When citizens lose faith in voter registration systems, voter rolls, and election administration, trust in government itself begins to erode.

The failure of the SAVE Act is especially frustrating because many states continue to operate under systems that rely heavily on self-attestation of citizenship during voter registration. Americans are increasingly asking a simple question: why should proving citizenship be required for countless government services and benefits, but not uniformly required when registering to vote?

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That question deserves an answer.

At CheckMyVote, we believe transparency, accountability, and verification should be the standard, not the exception. We believe voter rolls should be accurate. We believe election records should be auditable. We believe citizens deserve confidence that election laws are being followed and that safeguards exist to protect the integrity of the process.

The SAVE Act would not have solved every election-related concern in America. No single piece of legislation could. But it represented a meaningful step toward addressing one of the most fundamental questions in election administration: who is eligible to vote.

Unfortunately, Washington chose inaction.

That does not mean the work stops.

If Congress will not act, states must continue pursuing election integrity reforms. Citizens must continue demanding transparency. Election data must continue to be scrutinized. Voter rolls must continue to be examined. Accountability cannot depend on a single bill in Washington.

The mission of CheckMyVote remains unchanged.

We will continue providing citizens with tools to examine voter registration data, monitor election records, and increase transparency at the local level. We will continue advocating for election systems that earn public trust through verification rather than assumptions.

The SAVE Act may have failed.

But the fight for election integrity has not.

Check My Vote

What You Can Do

Subscribe to CheckMyVote’s Substack for ongoing election transparency analysis and updates.

Sign up for CMV’s V-ALERTS to monitor voter registration activity tied to your address and receive push notifications when records change.

Support CheckMyVote’s work as we continue fighting for voter roll transparency, election accountability, and citizen-led oversight.

The American people deserve secure elections.

They deserve transparency.

And they deserve leaders willing to make election integrity a priority.

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There are moments in politics when voters are presented with a clear choice between career political management and principled constitutional leadership.

Michigan’s 15th State Senate District is facing one of those moments right now.

CheckMyVote is proud to officially endorse Jason Rogers for Michigan State Senate District 15.

In an era where public trust in institutions continues to erode, where election transparency has become one of the defining issues of our time, and where citizens increasingly feel disconnected from the systems governing their daily lives, Jason Rogers represents something desperately needed in Michigan politics: a serious, grounded, technically informed constitutional conservative committed to restoring accountability and transparency to government.

Elect Jason Rogers

A Candidate Rooted in Election Integrity and Constitutional Governance

Jason Rogers is not a career politician.

He is a software engineer, grassroots organizer, Republican leader, and constitutional advocate who has spent years actively engaged in election integrity efforts and local party leadership throughout Michigan.

As Chairman of the Washtenaw County Republican Party, a longtime Precinct Delegate, and an alternate delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention, Rogers has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage directly in the difficult work of restoring public trust in elections and government institutions.

Unlike many politicians who speak broadly about “saving democracy” while avoiding the structural issues undermining confidence in elections, Rogers has taken clear and public positions on policies designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and voter confidence.

His platform includes support for:

• Voter ID requirements

• Voter roll audits

• Paper ballots

• Increased transparency in election administration

• Ending Michigan’s participation in ERIC

• Strengthening constitutional protections against government overreach

These are not fringe concerns.

These are foundational concerns.

And they are precisely the types of issues CheckMyVote was created to address.

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Why This Race Matters

Michigan has become one of the central battleground states in the national debate surrounding election integrity, transparency, and public trust.

The ability for citizens to lawfully access voter roll data, monitor election systems, and engage in meaningful oversight has increasingly come under pressure through administrative restrictions, opaque bureaucratic processes, and attempts to redefine public transparency standards.

CheckMyVote has seen this battle firsthand through its own ongoing legal efforts and transparency initiatives.

That is why races like Michigan Senate District 15 matter.

This is not simply about partisan politics.

It is about whether citizens will continue to have advocates inside government who understand the importance of transparency, constitutional limits, and citizen oversight.

Jason Rogers understands these issues not merely as talking points, but as operational realities.

His background in software engineering gives him a uniquely informed perspective on data systems, election infrastructure, and the increasing technological complexity surrounding election administration in the digital age.

That matters.

Technical literacy matters.

Transparency matters.

And citizens deserve leaders who understand both.

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A Citizen Legislator, Not a Political Class Insider

One of the most compelling aspects of Jason Rogers’ campaign is his clear rejection of permanent political class culture.

Rogers openly advocates for a return to a true citizen legislature, where elected officials serve the public rather than build lifelong political careers insulated from the people they represent.

That philosophy aligns closely with the foundational principles of constitutional self-government envisioned by America’s founders.

His campaign emphasizes:

• Legislative accountability

• States’ rights

• Limiting executive overreach

• Protecting individual liberties

• Preserving parental rights

• Defending First and Second Amendment protections

• Restoring integrity to public institutions

Whether voters agree with every position or not, there is little question that Rogers has articulated a coherent governing philosophy grounded in constitutional structure rather than political convenience.

Faith, Integrity, and Public Service

Jason Rogers consistently frames his public service through the lens of faith, honesty, and personal responsibility.

In today’s political environment, where carefully manufactured messaging often replaces conviction, that level of clarity stands out.

Rogers describes himself first and foremost as a man devoted to Jesus Christ, and he openly states that his commitment to honesty, integrity, and grace flows directly from that foundation.

For many voters across Michigan, particularly those increasingly concerned about the direction of culture, education, family policy, and government authority, those values remain deeply important.

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Why CheckMyVote Is Endorsing Jason Rogers

CheckMyVote.org does not issue endorsements lightly.

Our mission has always centered around lawful transparency, citizen oversight, election integrity, and data-driven accountability.

Jason Rogers has consistently demonstrated a serious commitment to those principles.

He understands the importance of:

• Public transparency

• Voter roll integrity

• Citizen access to information

• Constitutional governance

• Protecting public trust in elections

At a time when transparency advocates are increasingly attacked, dismissed, or marginalized simply for asking questions and demanding accountability, leaders willing to engage these issues honestly matter more than ever.

Michigan needs leaders who are willing to confront difficult institutional questions instead of hiding behind bureaucratic talking points.

Jason Rogers has shown he is willing to do exactly that.

Learn More and Support Jason Rogers

Visit his official campaign website:

Jason Rogers for Michigan Senate District 15

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CheckMyVote.org continues fighting for:

• Election transparency

• Citizen oversight

• Voter roll accountability

• Data-driven election integrity

• Public access to lawful election records

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