The Alpena County Republican Party invited their State Chairwoman, Kristina Karamo, to speak after their recent business meeting. There’s nothing unusual or untoward about this. Karamo gained notoriety last year when she voiced her election security concerns, seemingly standing in agreement with election deniers that President Biden was not legitimately elected. The paranoia and fear concerning the security of our country’s elections is unfounded – over 60 court cases showed insufficient evidence of election fraud.

I’m concerned that Karamo’s personal agenda may have a negative influence on our county’s election workers. I have worked the polls many times. If you could see the security measures in place and witness the extraordinary steps taken to tally and secure our ballots, you would understand the utter silliness of these election denying allegations.

Our ballot choices are not being switched; dead people are not voting; mail-in ballots are verified; voter IDs are checked; ballot boxes are locked with numbered zip ties. Our County Board of Canvassers, to which I belong (our board consists of two Republicans and two Democrats), reviews all poll books and vote totals for each precinct before we certify the vote. A few errors might occur, but never to the degree that would throw an election. When election totals are nearly tied between opponents, a hand recount of the ballots almost always confirms the totals are valid.

I commend all our election workers and office holders for the great jobs they are doing. Karamo’s attempts to create drama and doubt are part of the Republican MAGA faction’s platform. Don’t pay any attention to it. I would encourage our County Clerk, Keri Bertrand (R) to reassure all Alpena County voters that she can remain non-partisan and follow the law while administering our elections. I have no reason to believe otherwise.

CHRISTINE BOND,

Treasurer, Alpena County Democratic Party