Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel sent a “cease and desist” letter to a resident after the individual posted election “misinformation” on social media.
The resident, Kerry Lynn Eleiff, told The Federalist she was “shocked” to receive the letter.
“I was just thinking, ‘They’re going to prosecute me for this?’” Elieff said. “They’re probably hearing one side of the story.”
The letter read: “[Y]ou are hereby ordered to CEASE AND DESIST the use of online platforms to continue spreading false or misleading information regarding the Ross Township polling locations. Failure to comply with this notice may result in criminal prosecution.”
Eleiff’s post pertained to voting locations, as she feared officials had not adequately informed the public of changes to the sites.
“It has come to the attention of our office that you have spread misleading or false election information regarding polling locations in Ross Township through on-line sites,” reads the letter Eleiff received. “The polling locations in Ross Township were legally approved and selected by the township board and clerk.”
Eleiff said she “didn’t have a chance to even share with them the truth.”
“They didn’t say, ‘If you believe this is an error, call me.’ There was nothing like that,” she added.
Eleiff believes she was reported by an individual in Ross Township who disagrees with her beliefs.
As AG Nessel targets social media posts, Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson similarly launched an effort to expose “election misinformation.”
According to a report from Reclaim The Net, a document from Benson’s office encourages residents to report alleged “misinformation” to the state.
“If you see misleading or inaccurate information regarding voting or elections in Michigan, please report it — and include an image if possible,” the document says, adding an email where residents can submit reports.
