Regular meeting (Public Comment – B. Wiesner, 5/21/2024)

**Executive Summary**

**Meeting Overview**
On May 21, 2024, during a regular meeting of the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, public speaker John Hunter commented on ongoing discussions surrounding election integrity and the role of county commissioners. The context of the discussion relates to the operational authority of the commissioners concerning voting processes, particularly in light of recent public comments and concerns about election procedures.

**Key Points Presented**
Hunter emphasized that the Leelanau County commissioners are bound by state laws governing elections, asserting that they lack the authority to alter voting mechanisms, including the use of Dominion voting machines and regulations around early and absentee voting. He pointed out that these responsibilities reside solely with the Secretary of State and the state legislature. Hunter reiterated that ongoing misinformation about local election governance has led to unnecessary allocations of county resources and public time, urging the commissioners to clarify their limitations regarding election changes.

**Recommendations for Commissioners**
The speaker advocated for a proactive approach by the commissioners, suggesting they communicate more openly about their actual powers related to elections. By gently educating constituents, especially those expressing doubts about election integrity, the board could potentially redirect their concerns and mitigate disruptions caused by misinformation. Hunter concluded by stressing the importance of using their platform to provide accurate information to the public, which would ultimately serve the citizens of Leelanau County.

Transcribed by Otter.ai