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I am stunned at the lack of transparency and the ultimate outcome of the Citizens Only Voting initiative. 

For a “leader" (Secretary Benson) to have had over 700,000 signatures submitted (well beyond the required amount) and in her possession for five months, and not review them sooner is not just an oversight. It's negligence and unacceptable.

Don't you agree?!

I issued this statement late Friday after the Michigan Supreme Court came back with their official ruling: they will stand by the State Board of Canvassers decision (reminder after 7 hours of scrutiny at the 11th hour, they could not determine that the Citizens Only Voting effort had enough verified signatures so they denied it access on the ballot).

This November, you will not be allowed to vote on Citizens Only Voting (i.e. tightening measures for election procedures like making sure only citizens can vote - how novel).

But you will be able to do one thing: work with me to make sure we get NEW leadership in place so that we can make sure our systems get cleaned up ...

I have served in public office, and have always considered it a responsibility. It is why as a State Representative I had a 100% voting record, never missing a vote in Session or Committee. I treat the trust voters put in me with dignity and honor and always will.

The outcome of this situation screams to me that we are desperately in need of:

• New leaders in Michigan in the Secretary of State
• New leaders on the Michigan Surpeme Court
• New leaders in the Attorney General office

Michigan citizens, if you are as frustrated as I am, please know I am ready to take action on your behalf. And as an elected Clerk, I am ready to start on Day 1 of the new term. I need your help now more than ever. Absentee ballots go out September 24.

• Tell your friends "remember to vote Anthony Forlini for Secretary of State"
• Donate big or small (max out donations are $8325 per individual) -- my opposition is swimming in money
• And connect with your local community to mobilize and remind everyone in your town to vote

I believe that even the hard outcomes can be used for good. And I hope the direction this Citizens Only Voting issue has gone will inspire all of us to work harder ... because in just 56 days we get to choose new leadership who can make sure this never happens again.

Anthony G. Forlini

Republican Candidate for Secretary of State

Listen to Tony on WMKT

Tony with Paul W. Smith on WJR

This week my visits have included:

• A round table discussion with Auto dealers
• Discussions and events with Students throughout Michigan 
• An interview with the University of Michigan Newspaper (Michigan Daily) 
• Lots of podcasts
• A visit to Tipton, Michigan with Congressman Tim Walberg
• Attending the Franklin, Michigan parade 
• Meeting lots of people at the Michigan State Fair in Novi 
• Visiting the Royal Oak Meets and Eats with a few thousand new friends

From conversations with those doing homesteading in Detroit to bring back good food to their communities (right by the property where my grandmother lived!), to meeting a Vietnam Veteran in Royal Oak, to talking to an old classmate along the parade route... everywhere I turn I have the chance to talk to the people of Michigan and I love it! 


Send me your events and ideas ([email protected]) on what a Michigan Secretary of State office should be doing better for the people of Michigan!

Remember, I cannot do this without you!