Claim: People can unplug poll machines if they suspect tampering.

A Michigan gubernatorial candidate advised a group of people to unplug poll machines if they suspect fraud and to “lock and load.” However, it is illegal to tamper with poll machines or any voting device.

Candidate for MI governor Ryan D. Kelley tells prospective poll workers to unplug tabulation machines if they suspect fraud in the 2022 election. State senate candidate Mike Detmer takes it a step further: “We need to be prepared to lock & load,” he says. “Show up armed.” pic.twitter.com/rLsmUcUR0q
— Left of Center MI (@leftofcentermi) January 30, 2022

At a January 26th event, Michigan gubernatorial candidate Ryan Kelley encouraged his supporters to unplug poll machines if they suspected fraud. He even went as far to tell them to “lock and load” as a measure to protect against election fraud (Business Insider). However, not only is unplugging poll machines illegal, it also is unlikely to impact election results (MLive). Voting tabulators usually have backup batteries that can provide power for hours in case of outages and paper ballots are later tabulated by local canvassing boards anyways.

The statement by the candidate was condemned by many elected officials in Michigan including Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan’s Secretary of State Joslyn Benson. Michigan’s Election Law Act 116 of 1954 states that “a person shall not willfully injure any voting device, ballot, or other record or equipment or interfere or attempt to interfere with its correct operation” (Michigan Legislature). Similar prohibitions are in place on a federal level through voting rights legislation such as in Title 52 about voting and elections of the United States Code, the official compilation and codification of the general and permanent federal statutes of the United States (U.S. Department of Justice).

In Michigan and many other states, election challengers are appointed to “observe the process, examine voting equipment before and after polls close and make challenges if they believe election laws aren’t being followed” (MLive). In the case where you feel there is election fraud happening, make sure you take the right steps to report it instead of tampering with the voting methods yourself or, as the candidate stated, “locking and loading,” referring to showing up armed to the polls. You can contact your local elections authority and state-level Department of State offices. Reports can also be made through the United States Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and the Department of Justice’s Voting Section (Fox8Live).

Despite certain claims, it is illegal to unplug poll machines for any reason. If you suspect voter fraud, alert the proper authorities instead.