MARCH 26, 2008

Michigan voters looking ahead to the November general election are confident that their ballots will be counted accurately, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said today, citing recent poll results.

Nearly 90 percent of those surveyed believe their votes will be counted correctly at local polling places. The survey, commissioned by Inside Michigan Politics editor and publisher Bill Ballenger, was conducted by Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group.

"Michigan has a distinguished history of election integrity and innovation," said Land, Michigan's chief elections officer. "We're committed to upholding these uncompromising standards so that voters are guaranteed fair, reliable elections. The confidence expressed in the survey is a credit to the strong partnership between the state and local election officials. We are fortunate to have quality clerks and election workers across the state. They are the heart of Michigan's elections process."

When asked, "How confident are you that the votes will be accurately counted at the polling place where you vote?" 66 percent of respondents said they are "very confident" while 23 percent said "somewhat confident."

Only 5 percent responded with "not too confident" and 4 percent expressed no confidence. The remaining 2 percent didn't know.

The confidence level regarding the accuracy of Michigan's elections exceeds that of elections nationwide. A similar 2006 question asked by a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll showed 75 percent of voters across the country were confident in the nation's overall election accuracy.

Safeguarding and enhancing the elections process continues to be a top Land priority. She has worked with lawmakers, local officials and stakeholders to modernize Michigan elections. From employing a statewide optical-scan voting system to encouraging improved polling place accessibility for voters with disabilities, Land is ensuring that voter confidence in the process remains high. She also proposed a comprehensive blueprint to enhance voter convenience and reinforce the integrity of Michigan's elections process.

Information on Land's initiatives or elections in general is at www.Michigan.gov/sos.