Detroit Black Leaders Face Backlash Over Election Investigation

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In a recent development at Michigan’s Election Integrity Committee, two prominent Detroit election integrity advocates, Ramon Jackson and Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, presented compelling testimony about their months-long investigation into voter fraud allegations from previous elections. The hearing, organized by Representative Rachelle Smit, aimed to gather evidence of potential electoral irregularities.

The activists detailed their findings, revealing a concerning pattern involving transient populations and absentee ballots. Their investigation uncovered instances of individuals supposedly voting in-person while being out-of-state, votes cast from outdated addresses, and ballots submitted by people who had relocated to other states and were voting there without valid Michigan identification.

The Democratic response to these revelations has been marked by controversy, with critics employing what some view as dismissive rhetoric and racial undertones to challenge the activists’ credibility.

Election Integrity activist Ramone Jackson and Pastor Lorenzo Sewell brought 80 Detroit residents by bus to DC to raise awareness about the stolen elections in their city.

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"The false narrative that only whites think elections are being stolen—that's a fabrication!" pic.twitter.com/5tIgmO3wQM

— PattyMI (@PattyLovesTruth) March 7, 2025

“The election deniers in today’s committee hearing are yet another sign that Michigan Republicans are untethered from fact and reality when it comes to our elections,” said Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Curtis Hertel in a press release. “Along with the poll tax bills that jeopardize thousands of voters’ access to the ballot box, Michigan Republicans are making it clear that safe and secure elections are not their goal.”

The investigation specifically highlighted concerns about the ERIC system and its potential role in compromising the votes of transient populations, whose frequent changes of residence make verification particularly challenging.

Democratic opposition has intensified, with Representative Stephen Wooden (D-Grand Rapids) questioning the relevance of investigating the 2020 election claims. Meanwhile, pressure mounts on Rep. Smit to abandon the investigation.

Rev. Lorenzo Sewell in woke “bishop”: “She had an opportunity to minister the gospel. Instead of that, she is a heretic. She should never be allowed to preach the message of Jesus in her life because she’s not even talking about Jesus.” pic.twitter.com/E6tviLDK8W

— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) January 23, 2025

The coverage by MIRS News, an exclusive Michigan political blog, has drawn criticism for its portrayal of the testimony, with some arguing it employs problematic stereotypes and dismissive framing. This reporting pattern has been observed to cascade through various media levels, from local outlets to national publications, potentially shaping public perception of the investigation.

Critics of the Democratic response point to several concerning tactics in the media coverage, including alleged stereotyping of Black religious leaders, dismissive treatment of speaking styles, and attempts to delegitimize the testimony through various framing devices.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between election integrity advocates and those who defend the current system, with both sides accusing the other of undermining democratic processes. The investigation continues to generate significant debate about election security and voter access in Michigan.