Episode Details

Rep. Rachelle Smit of Michigan’s 43rd District joins Steve to discuss a new slate of election-security bills aimed at keeping foreign influence out of Michigan’s democratic process. HB 4720 would prohibit the use of electronic voting systems that contain parts or equipment from certain foreign countries, while HB 5197 bans campaign contributions from foreign entities altogether. HB 5198 adds another layer of protection by requiring certification that any funds used for election administration are not coming from foreign nationals. Rep. Smit lays out why these safeguards matter, how they bolster election integrity, and what comes next in Lansing’s push to secure Michigan’s elections.