Senate-County Settlement Requiring Legislature to Exonerate County Before Attorney General (AZ)

Wayne County Board of Canvassers Chair Monica Palmer and member William Hartmann voted on November 17, 2020 to withhold certification, citing that 71% of Detroit’s Absentee Voter Counting Board precincts were mathematically out of balance. During the ensuing public comment period, elected officials publicly identified Palmer’s home municipality, referenced her minor daughter by implication, and accused both canvassers of perpetuating racism – conduct legal commentators characterize as a coordinated intimidation campaign against quasi-judicial officers in the exercise of their official duties. State Representative Ibrahim Aiyash stated on camera: “Monica Palmer from Grosse Pointe Woods…are deciding to enable and continue to perpetuate the racist history of this country… I want you to think about what this means for your kids.” Following this campaign, Palmer and Hartmann conditionally reversed their votes upon a promise of a full independent audit – a promise that was never honored.