Antrim County Clerk's Unexpected Write-in Bid Highlights Election Integrity Concerns

In a surprising turn of events, Sheryl Guy, the current clerk of Antrim County, Michigan, has decided to run a write-in campaign for re-election. This decision comes after Victoria Bishop won the Republican primary with promises to overhaul election procedures in the county.

Guy's unexpected move highlights the ongoing impact of the 2020 election controversy in Antrim County. In that year, an initial misreporting of results showed Joe Biden winning in the heavily Republican area, an error that was quickly corrected but fueled widespread election conspiracy theories.

"It's my obligation to do this, to do what's right."

Guy, who has served the county since 1978, had planned to retire after overseeing one last presidential election in 2024. However, concerns about Bishop's campaign promises, which include hand-counting ballots and aggressively purging voter rolls, prompted Guy to reconsider.

The race underscores the challenges facing local election officials across the United States. Since 2020, many have faced harassment, threats, and increased scrutiny. This pressure has led to a wave of retirements and resignations among experienced election administrators.

Guy's write-in campaign faces significant hurdles. Write-in campaigns are notoriously difficult to win, with Senator Lisa Murkowski's 2010 victory in Alaska being a rare exception. Guy's supporters are focusing on voter education, emphasizing the need to write her name correctly and fill in the oval on the ballot.

Bishop's supporters view her proposals as common-sense measures to ensure election integrity. However, election experts warn that hand-counting ballots is less accurate and more time-consuming than machine counting. Additionally, voter roll maintenance is strictly governed by state and federal laws, limiting county clerks' ability to remove voters.

The campaign has divided the community, with both Democrats and Republicans rallying behind Guy. Her long-standing role in the county, where her name appears on many residents' vital records, has earned her support across party lines.

As the November 2024 election approaches, concerns are growing about potential new controversies. The process of counting write-in votes could extend well into the day after the election, potentially fueling further speculation about election integrity.

This race in Antrim County, known for its picturesque landscapes of lakes, forests, and cherry orchards, serves as a microcosm of the broader national debate surrounding election administration and the challenges facing local officials in maintaining public trust in the democratic process.