Washington- Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyne Benson warned Sunday of efforts by bad actors to “hack into the minds of voters” to spread disinformation ahead of Election Day.
“We know that because our systems are secure, there are malicious foreign actors and adversaries of democracy globally who will potentially seek not to hack our systems, but to hack the minds of voters to spread lies and misinformation,” Benson said of “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.” “Not only to sow distrust, but also to diminish citizens’ trust in the process and in their own voice.”
Benson, a Democrat, said misinformation was amplified because “if there was enough noise,” people might disengage completely, noting that “that’s the goal” of those who seek to sow distrust.
The Michigan Secretary of State, who also accused Elon Musk – A staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump — of intentionally spreading misinformation about Michigan voters, said Sunday, when asked about Musk’s intentions, that “adversaries of democracy” are working to “create chaos” and distrust around election processes, ” not just in Michigan but across the country.”
“So it’s up to all of us to turn to trusted sources of information, like your local election official, and use the data to evaluate the issues, as opposed to people running social media companies with particular agendas and who have a history of amplifying conspiracy theories and false information,” Benson said. She encouraged Michiganders to go to michigan.gov/electionfacts rather than social media for reliable and accurate election information.
In-person early voting began Saturday in Detroit, and more than a million people returned their absentee ballots in the state more than two weeks before Election Day, Benson said, calling it “a great sign for an engaged electorate on both sides of the aisle”.
Benson said she would “without hesitation” pursue election certification if Trump wins, saying “it’s our job as professional election administrators, to make sure it’s easy to vote, hard to cheat, and that we all stick to the will of the people – whatever that may be.” Maybe that’s the case.”
Secretary of State of Georgia Brad Raffenspergera Republican who also appeared Sunday on “Face the Nation,” also said he would follow the law.
“I’m going to make sure whoever wins this race gets certified,” Raffensperger said. “I’m going to do my job, and that’s what the people of Georgia elected me to do.”
Raffensperger, who resisted pressure from former President Donald Trump in 2021 calling to “find” more than 11,000 votes And overturn election results in the Peach State, noted that the state has seen nearly 1.4 million people vote early or have accepted absentee voting this year, noting that “we are likely to see a record turnout in the advance voting.
“Probably 65, maybe even 70 percent of all Georgians will vote this way, but they have free choice on how to vote,” Raffensperger said. He noted that the state has security measures for voters, such as photo ID and citizenship checks.
“I understand we are very competitive,” Raffensperger added. “That’s why we have done everything since day one to ensure fast, accurate and secure elections for all of my constituents here in Georgia.”
