(Source: MIRS.news, Published 05/02/2024) An elections worker who erected a non-functioning camera and solar light near a ballot drop box in Plymouth in the run-up to the February presidential primary will not be charged, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Thursday.
Nessel said in a press release that the Department's investigation determined there was insufficient evidence of corrupt intent, which is required to substantiate a criminal charge.
"My department takes allegations of voter intimidation and election fraud very seriously," Nessel said in a press release. "We will continue to thoroughly investigate each referral we receive from both local or state partners, and prosecute any criminal offenses we uncover.
"While this incident did not rise to illegal activity, it serves as an important reminder for all Michigan voters, election workers and volunteers to know what is and what isn't allowed at polling locations and to comply with the law," she added.
Nessel said an election worker/inspector who previously worked an election in Plymouth came forward, admitting that he placed the non-functional camera and solar light. He claimed that his intent was to deter tampering and promote honest voting, according to the AG's press release.
The Plymouth Township Clerk's Office alerted authorities Feb. 16 to potential voter intimidation after discovering a solar light mounted to a homemade pole positioned near a ballot box at a polling location.
An examination revealed no signs of tampering with the ballot box itself, according to the AG's press release.
Later that day, the Clerk's Office informed Plymouth Township police that they located surveillance video of an individual placing the light near the ballot box. The video also showed the individual placing a camera on a light pole 20- to 30-feet from the ballot box.
The camera was affixed to the pole with a plastic tie and was non-functional.
