Kent County Clerk Lisa Postumus Lyons advocates for election equipment testing bill

The Michigan Legislature convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding election integrity, focusing on House Bill 4602. The meeting featured testimony from various officials, including Kent County Clerk Lisa Postumus Lyons, who emphasized the importance of secure, transparent, and accurate elections.

Clerk Lyons, representing both Kent County and the Michigan Association of County Clerks, highlighted her commitment to educating policymakers and the public about the election process. She expressed strong support for House Bill 4602, which aims to preserve essential elements of election security, particularly the public testing of election equipment and the decentralized nature of election administration in Michigan.

Lyons raised concerns about a previous decision by the Secretary of State's office to contract with a single vendor for statewide election equipment testing. She noted that this centralization posed significant security risks, particularly regarding the handling of official ballots. After pushback from clerks, the state reversed this decision, allowing local clerks to maintain control over their testing processes.

The public logic and accuracy tests, which are conducted at the local level, were described as vital for ensuring that election equipment functions correctly and counts votes accurately. These tests are open to the public and involve oversight from local election commissions, fostering public trust in the electoral process. Lyons stressed that while improvements to the election process are necessary, they should not compromise the foundational elements that have proven effective.

The meeting concluded with a call for the committee to support House Bill 4602, ensuring that local clerks retain their authority and expertise in administering elections. This support is seen as crucial for maintaining voter confidence in the integrity of elections in Michigan.