LANSING – State Rep. Brandon Dillon (D-Grand Rapids) will introduce legislation that would increase the penalty for perjury under Michigan’s election laws from $1,000 to $10,000, and add that anyone who assists in perjury also be subject to the increased fines and prison time.
“When we talk about election law, officials nearly always focus on voter fraud which is a made up problem in Michigan. However, recent events have clearly indicated that we should be worried about real election fraud that can be committed by those running for office and those involved in their campaigns done to illegally influence the outcomes of elections,” said Dillon.
Dillon’s bills would increase the penalty for perjury under Michigan’s election laws from a $1,000 fine to a $10,000 fine. Anyone who assists in the perjury would also be subject to a $10,000 fine and up to five years in prison. Recently, problems have occurred in Grand Rapids that call into question the validity of an affidavit filed in State House District 76, and in Wayne County with signature petitions filed in the 11th Congressional District.
“Fighting this kind of fraud is critical because it can affect the ballot and our ability to have free and fair elections,” said Dillon. “Election fraud is an attack on each and every voter and we simply cannot tolerate it. I am hopeful that this bill will have strong bipartisan support and move quickly to the governor’s desk for approval.”