Rogers suggests off-duty police serve as poll watchers in Detroit

Macomb County residents heading to the polls on Nov. 3 will have a new point of contention in the Senate race. Republican candidate Mike Rogers has drawn fresh scrutiny from his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, over remarks made earlier this year regarding the use of police officers at polling stations.

Rogers, a former U.S. House member from Macomb County, told members of the Kalamazoo County Republican Party in May that the party should deploy retired or off-duty police officers as poll watchers in Detroit. He noted that while officers could not wear their uniforms, they could open their jackets to reveal the badge on their belt.

The audio of that speech was first reported by The Detroit News in May. The newspaper stated that the strategy aimed to revitalize a method historically used to pressure voters of color. The comments have now become a central talking point for El-Sayed's campaign in the final weeks of the election.

El-Sayed addressed the issue during a debate on Oct. 21. He described the proposal as sounding like a tactic from the South decades ago. He argued the presence of off-duty officers could intimidate voters within the city of Detroit, which is a majority-Black area and a traditional stronghold for Democrats.

Rogers maintains that the plan is a standard procedure. In an interview with ABC News, he questioned how having a poll watcher, a role present in the state for decades, would discourage anyone from voting. His campaign spokesperson, Alyssa Brouillet, said the proposal encourages people of integrity to serve in the role. She noted that while it may include retired law enforcement, it could also include teachers, construction workers, and community leaders.

Michigan law governs the behavior of poll watchers strictly. According to guidelines published by the Michigan Bureau of Elections in July, poll watchers are permitted to observe the election process from a designated public viewing area. They do not need to be registered to vote in the state to hold this position.

The rules prohibit poll watchers from interacting with voters, touching election materials, or handling election equipment. If a poll watcher attempts to interfere or delay election staff, Secretary of State guidelines dictate that the watcher will be removed from the polling place. They are also barred from taking photographs or recording audio or video.

Poll watchers are distinct from poll challengers. Challengers must be registered Michigan voters and complete specific training. They are allowed to question a voter's eligibility if they believe the person is not registered, is under 18, is not a U.S. citizen, or has not lived in the jurisdiction for 30 days. Guidelines require challengers to act in a discrete manner so as not to embarrass or disrupt the process.

Federal law also plays a role. The Civil Rights Act of 1957 prohibits voter intimidation and coercion. While federal law generally prohibits sending armed men to polling places, poll watchers remain a legal fixture of Michigan elections. A similar 1981 effort in New Jersey to place off-duty police at polls led to a consent decree that restricted such programs, though that order expired in 2018.

The dispute centers on interpretation rather than the words themselves. Democrats argue the comments allude to voter suppression, while Rogers' team contends El-Sayed is twisting the message to push a narrative. The winner of the race will succeed retiring Democrat Gary Peters.