LANSING, MI –The Police Department is increasing vigilance in coordination with the Lansing City Clerk’s Office, to ensure a safe and secure election in the City of Lansing.Voting is a democratic right and duty. City voters, alongside voters throughout the nation, will have an opportunity to cast a ballot which will help decide the future of our country. As a result, through Election Day, the Lansing Police Department will have an increased alert status in response to the City’s commitment to maintain safety for in-person voting.
The Lansing Police Department will be working in conjunction with Clerk Chris Swope’s Office, the Attorney General’s office, the Ingham County Prosecutor, and other local, state and federal law enforcement partners to improve its response to any suspicious behavior concerning voter intimidation, civil unrest or acts of violence.
While neither the Lansing Police Department nor the City Clerk has credible information about any threats of violence on Election Day, the Lansing Police Department will increase its visible presence throughout the city to heighten preparedness in the event reports of any activities which threaten the sanctity of the voting process.
The Police Department and the City Clerk encourage citizens who vote in person to practice physical distancing, wear a mask, bring their identification, and respect each other’s privacy by avoiding discussion of candidates and issues within 100 feet of the precinct doors. Voters are not allowed by Michigan Election Law to display anything which shows support for any particular candidate or political party within that 100 feet radius.
The City is preparing for high voter turnout at each polling site. The Clerk’s Office has trained precinct workers to ensure that each precinct is following the best practices in consultation with the Ingham Co. Health Department and CDC Guidelines.
Every voter will be asked to wear a mask, and masks shall be provided for free. However, an individual is not required to wear a mask in order to vote. Therefore, the City encourages anyone who may feel uncomfortable being in a precinct with someone who may not be wearing a mask to take advantage of early voting opportunities.
“While there is no credible threat information to support the likelihood of a major issue, we are preparing our staff as a precautionary measure to respond to any situation(s) if they arise”, said Chief Daryl Green.
“I’ve promised a safe, secure and accurate election and I intend to make sure that happens,” says Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope. “I appreciate the strong support from Mayor Schor and Police Chief Green to ensure that Nov. 3 will be a very secure election and I encourage every voter to either vote at home, vote early or vote November 3rd.”
