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Democracy SENTRY
UpdateMichiganFriday, October 30, 2026

Fake postcards falsely told West Michigan voters their ballots were rejected

What happened when fraudulent notices circulated in Ottawa and Kent counties warning of signature issues.

Reporting by
97.9 WGRD
“Fake Election Mailers Target West Michigan Voters: What You Need to Know”, Friday, October 30, 2026
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What happened

Fake election postcards circulated in West Michigan, falsely telling voters their absentee ballots were rejected due to signature issues. The Ottawa County Clerk & Register of Deeds issued a warning about the mailers. Residents in Kent County and across the region reported receiving similar postcards.1

The goal of the fake notices appears to be causing panic and collecting personal information from voters who have already submitted their ballots.1

What it means in Michigan

What Michigan voters should know

Absentee ballots must be received by the local clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.2

Key dates in Michigan

Election Day in 2 days
  1. Sat, Oct 24 · passed
    Early voting begins
  2. Mon, Nov 2 · 1 day
    Last day for mail ballot applications
  3. Tue, Nov 3 · 2 days
    Election Day; Registration deadline; Mail ballots must arrive
  4. Tue, Nov 17 · 16 days
    County/Local certification
  5. Mon, Nov 23 · 22 days
    State certification

Every date in Michigan, and who certifies the election

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The answers behind this

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