GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Michigan’s bipartisan Democracy Defense Project (DDP) board members today discussed the state of democracy and elections in Michigan at the annual Grand Rapids Policy Conference at the Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.   

The DDP’s four Michigan board members – former Govs. Jim Blanchard, a Democrat; John Engler, a Republican; former Lt. Gov. John Cherry, a Democrat; and former U.S. Congressman Mike Bishop, a Republican – invited community and business leaders to help foster more constructive civic dialogue as the state and nation prepare for midterm elections in November. 

“The overwhelming majority of Michiganders trust our elections and have faith in our democracy, and we should all come together to build on that by showing respect toward one another even though we may disagree passionately about an issue,” said Blanchard, who served as Michigan’s 45th governor from 1983 to 1991. “Through our work at the Democracy Defense Project, our bipartisan board of directors — Republicans and Democrats — travel across Michigan to highlight facts about Michigan’s elections that make them safe, secure and transparent for anyone to observe. What we’ve learned is that Michiganders of goodwill are listening to each other with open hearts and minds and disagreeing without disrespecting each other.” 

“Regardless of background, Michiganders don’t want to see politicians call each other names, spread disinformation and divide Americans, and we believe that every Michigander can play a role in standing up for greater civility and respect,” said Engler, who served as Michigan’s 46th governor from 1991 to 2003. “As we approach the midterms this November, we expect to hear and see efforts from political operatives of every stripe trying to divide people, engage in personal attacks and even unfairly impact our elections. We can stand up for our democracy and the opportunity for every American to make their voices heard with respect, civility and goodwill.” 

“As Michigan board members of Democracy Defense Project, one area we focus on is ensuring that our elections abide by the Constitution, and that policymakers advance clear, durable, common-sense election policies that protect access to the ballot while reinforcing public confidence in the integrity of the system,” said Bishop, who served in Congress from 2015–19, and was the state Senate Majority Leader from 2007-2010. “Secure and accessible elections are not competing values – they rise or fall together. The public deserves both, and voters are looking to our leaders to rise above the easy politics of outrage and provide real solutions.” 

“Michigan’s elections are locally run and highly decentralized, implemented by local elections professionals with the support of local workers who are our neighbors, and that translates to a high degree of trust among voters,” said Cherry, who served as lieutenant governor from 2003-11 and a state legislator from 1983-2002. “Data that we’ve gathered over the last few years shows us clearly that Michiganders, by overwhelming margins, have faith in our democracy and feel confident that our elections are safe, secure and transparent, including the upcoming elections this year.” 

Michigan’s 1,000-plus county clerks, city clerks, and township clerks administer voting for federal, state, countywide and local races. As Michigan’s chief elections officer, the secretary of state supervises local officials in performing duties related to the election, ensuring they fulfill their election responsibilities in accordance with state law.  

DDP has conducted polling in Michigan to survey voters’ attitudes toward elections and democracy in recent years.