This week, voting rights partners are tracking several federal actions involving election administration, voter information, and federal election monitors.

Some pieces of this are routine. For example, the Department of Justice has sent federal election monitors to observe elections in Michigan and other states before.

But the broader pattern is concerning.

Recent reports describe federal actions involving election-related funding, threats toward election officials, and federal election monitors being sent to several states. In Michigan, DOJ has confirmed that it plans to send election monitors to Detroit, East Lansing, and Lansing for the August 4 Primary Election.

For more details about what federal election monitors can and cannot do in Michigan, read VAAC’s update on DOJ election monitors in Detroit, East Lansing, and Lansing.

Michigan voters should know this: these actions do not change how you vote.

Michigan’s local clerks and election workers still run Michigan elections. Not the federal government.

Federal election monitors may observe elections in compliance with the law, but they cannot interfere with voters, election workers, voting equipment, or election administration.

VAAC stands with Michigan’s local clerks and election workers, who carry out the checks, procedures, and safeguards that help ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot and that every vote is counted.

These federal actions are part of a broader effort to pressure state and local election officials, gain access to voter information, and cast doubt on future election results.

Michigan voters should not be intimidated, discouraged, or confused by these headlines.

If you are eligible to vote in the August 4 Primary Election, make your plan and vote. You can vote by mail, vote early in person, vote in person with an absentee ballot at your clerk’s office, or vote at your polling place on Election Day.

For nonpartisan voting information and Election Protection resources, visit MichiganVoting.org.

The bottom line is simple: voters choose our leaders. Local election officials run Michigan elections. Every eligible voter should be able to cast a ballot and have it counted.

VAAC will continue sharing clear information so Michigan voters know their rights and can participate with confidence.