Governor Whitmer Appoints New Members to State Canvassers Board

Members engage in discussions about the electoral process in Michigan.

News Summary

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Heather Cummings and Paul Cordes to the Michigan Board of State Canvassers. Cummings, a Democrat, brings legal expertise, while Cordes, a Republican, offers strategic experience. Their appointments, set to begin in February 2025, are crucial for overseeing Michigan’s electoral process. The board plays a significant role in certifying elections and ensuring fair voting practices. These appointments may influence the electoral landscape, especially with the upcoming general election looming.

Governor Whitmer Appoints New Members to the Michigan Board of State Canvassers

In a move that has caught the attention of Michiganders, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has recently appointed two new members to the Michigan Board of State Canvassers. Meet Heather Cummings from Novi and Paul Cordes from Rockford, two individuals bringing their unique backgrounds to this crucial board responsible for overseeing our electoral process.

Introducing Heather Cummings

Heather Cummings will be representing the Democrats on the board, succeeding Jeanette Bradshaw, whose term has come to an end. With a robust legal background, Heather is the founding partner at Cummings Law Group PLC. She specializes in union-side labor law and advocates for employment rights at both state and federal levels.

Her term kicks off on February 1, 2025, and will run until January 31, 2029. Alongside her esteemed career, Heather is known for offering pro bono legal services focused on Election Day voter protection efforts, ensuring that every vote counts. She is also an active volunteer for the ACLU of Michigan, taking on the role of chair for the ACLU Oakland County Lawyers’ Committee.

In terms of education, Heather holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Alma College, followed by a Master’s in Library Science from the prestigious University of Michigan, and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School. Safe to say, she has a wealth of knowledge that will benefit her role on the board!

Say Hello to Paul Cordes

Now, let’s turn our attention to the Republican representative, Paul Cordes. Hailing from Rockford, Paul is set to fill the position formerly held by Anthony Daunt. He is the founder and owner of Pantlind Strategies and will begin his term simultaneously with Heather’s on February 1, 2025, through January 31, 2029.

Paul brings a solid academic background to the table as well, having earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Minnesota. His experience in strategies positions him well to contribute to the board’s vital functions.

The Role of the Board of State Canvassers

But what exactly does the Michigan Board of State Canvassers do? With four members—two from each of the major political parties—the board plays a key role in democratic processes. Their responsibilities include canvassing and certifying various elections, specifically for statewide elections, legislative districts that span multiple counties, and judicial offices, excluding probate court judges.

The board is also tasked with conducting recounts for state-level offices and scrutinizing nominating petitions as well as state-level ballot proposal petitions. They make decisions regarding ballot designations, adopt ballot language for statewide proposals, and even approve electronic voting systems for the state.

A Look Ahead

The appointments of Heather Cummings and Paul Cordes are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate—which is under Democratic control. This means that while there’s strong groundwork for them to start their roles, the approval process will be closely watched by political onlookers.

It’s an exciting time in Michigan as these appointments could influence the electoral landscape in the coming years. With the general election just around the corner, the integrity and efficiency of the Board of State Canvassers will be ever so essential.

Stay tuned, folks! As Cummings and Cordes step into their new roles, we can expect a renewed commitment to fair and transparent elections in our great state.