Michigan Black Caucus Demands Accountability for Misleading Election Ad Targeting Black Voters

Oct 14, 2024 Story by: Editor

As Election Day approaches, a troubling situation has emerged in Michigan, where the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) is raising serious concerns about possible voter suppression in Lansing’s Black community. With just weeks left before November 5, 2024, Black lawmakers have taken action, filing a formal complaint on October 13th with Attorney General Dana Nessel and Ingham County Prosecutor Dewane to investigate Tom Barrett and his congressional campaign. The concern stems from an advertisement placed in the October 2, 2024 edition of The Michigan Bulletin, a long-standing Black-owned newspaper, which inaccurately stated that Election Day is on November 6—one day after the actual date. A similar ad in the Lansing City Pulse, a white-owned publication, listed the correct date of November 5.

Michigan State Senator Sarah Anthony , Vice Chair of the MLBC, expressed her frustration, saying, “As the first Black woman senator to represent Mid-Michigan, I am deeply disturbed that Tom Barrett would pull an old trick like this to suppress the vote in Lansing’s Black community.” Anthony, along with other Black leaders, is calling for accountability, believing this incident could be an intentional effort to mislead voters.

While Barrett’s campaign claims the incorrect date was a “proofing mistake,” the MLBC isn’t convinced. Chris Jackson , Executive Director of MLBC, stated that the group is committed to defending democracy, particularly in communities of color, and won’t tolerate any form of voter suppression. “Our members have made it clear that any attempt at voter suppression will not be tolerated in any capacity,” Jackson declared. Barrett’s campaign issued a response, acknowledging the error and promising to correct it in the next issue of The Michigan Bulletin, while pointing out that their other outreach materials had the correct election date.

Nevertheless, the timing and placement of the ad in a predominantly Black publication, juxtaposed with the correct information appearing in a white-owned newspaper, has raised suspicions among Black leaders. They believe it may violate Michigan’s election laws, which prohibit the use of “corrupt means” to prevent people from voting.

The formal complaint filed by the MLBC highlights the possibility of legal ramifications for Barrett’s campaign. According to Michigan law, spreading false information to deter voters is a felony offense. “At best, Tom Barrett and his campaign have committed a shocking oversight which will undoubtedly lead to confusion by Black voters in Lansing,” the MLBC’s complaint reads. “And, at worst, this ad could be part of an intentional strategy to ‘deter’ Black voters by deceiving them into showing up to vote on the day after the 2024 election.”

Senator Erika Geiss, Chair of the MLBC, joined Anthony in signing the complaint, reinforcing the concerns of Black leaders who have witnessed voter suppression tactics aimed at their communities for generations. This case is part of a larger, ongoing fight to protect voting rights across the nation, particularly in Black communities that have historically been targeted by misinformation campaigns.

The stakes in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District are high, as the seat, currently held by Democrat Elissa Slotkin , is up for grabs. Slotkin is running for the U.S. Senate, leaving the district open to a heated race between Tom Barrett, a Republican, and Curtis Hertel Jr., a former Democratic state senator. This race is expected to draw significant attention, with voter turnout likely playing a pivotal role in the outcome.

The MLBC’s actions demonstrate their unwavering commitment to defending the integrity of the voting process. They are ensuring that Black voters in Lansing and throughout Michigan are not misled, as voter suppression—whether accidental or intentional—can have lasting impacts on communities that have already faced significant political and systemic challenges.

In the end, this situation is about more than just an advertisement error; it’s about holding political figures accountable for actions that can undermine the democratic process. The fight for fair elections continues, and Black lawmakers in Michigan are making it clear that they will not allow any attempt to silence the voices of Black voters to go unchecked. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will remain on the effort to safeguard voting rights for every citizen. Source: Michigan Chronicle