Concerns Raised Over Mail-In Voting Security Amid Michigan Investigation

Concerns about the integrity of mail-in voting have resurfaced following an investigation into alleged ballot box stuffing by a Michigan city councilman. The scrutiny comes as President Donald Trump announced plans to eliminate mail-in ballots, prompting a defensive response from some media outlets and election officials who assert that mail-in voting is secure.

On August 19, 2025, Trump stated his intention to work towards abolishing mail-in voting, a move that has drawn criticism from Democrats and some media commentators. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold defended mail-in ballots on CNN, asserting, “Mail ballots are secure.”

Critics of Trump’s stance, including ABC News’ Hannah Demissie, dismissed his claims as lacking evidence, although she acknowledged that instances of fraud do occur, albeit rarely. “There is zero evidence to support his voter fraud claims in U.S. elections,” said MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace.

However, recent events in Michigan have raised questions about the security of mail-in voting. Surveillance footage reportedly captured several individuals, including Hamtramck city councilman Abu Musa, allegedly stuffing ballot drop boxes. According to reports, Musa won reelection with 1,129 votes, of which 843 were cast by absentee ballot.

Michigan election law stipulates that only voters, their immediate family members, or individuals residing in the same household may drop off ballots. The investigation into the alleged misconduct is ongoing, and local authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of those involved in the footage.

In Bridgeport, Connecticut, a similar incident occurred during the September primary, where Mayor Joe Ganim initially lost to challenger John Gomes. After a surge of absentee ballots, Ganim won by 251 votes, leading to an election overturn due to allegations of ballot box stuffing by his affiliates.

The issue of mail-in voting has also been highlighted by recent legal actions in other states. In Pennsylvania, three members of the Millbourne Council Board were sentenced to prison this summer for preparing fake ballots and stuffing drop boxes. In Wisconsin, hundreds of ballots were allegedly stuffed in a drop box in October 2024.

In Alabama, a Democrat candidate faced seven felony counts of voter fraud last year for allegedly submitting fraudulent absentee ballot applications. Additionally, a Texas man was sentenced to four years in prison for ballot fraud during the 2020 election, where he forged mail-in ballot applications using residents’ names.

These incidents have led some to argue that mail-in ballots are susceptible to abuse. Supporters of mail-in voting, however, maintain that the instances of fraud are minimal and that the voting method is essential for ensuring access to the electoral process.

As the debate continues, the integrity of mail-in voting remains a contentious issue, with both sides presenting their arguments amid ongoing investigations and legal challenges.

The outcome of these investigations may influence future policies regarding mail-in voting and its role in U.S. elections.