Michigan Lawmakers Demand Investigation into GOP Candidate’s Misleading Campaign Ad

Black state lawmakers in Michigan are calling for an investigation into Tom Barrett, a Republican candidate for the U.S. House, following the publication of a newspaper advertisement containing an incorrect date for Election Day. The ad appeared in the Michigan Bulletin, a Black-owned publication serving the Lansing area, and erroneously advised voters to cast their ballots on November 6, instead of the correct date, November 5.

The complaint, filed by the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, alleges that Barrett’s campaign may have violated state law with this misleading information. Ingham County Prosecutor John DeWane confirmed that his office received the complaint and has referred it to the Michigan Bureau of Elections for further review.

Barrett is in a competitive race against Democrat Curtis Hertel to succeed Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. Slotkin, who is currently running for a U.S. Senate seat, defeated Barrett by five points in the previous election cycle. With House Republicans looking to secure a narrow majority, they have identified this seat as a critical opportunity, with Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rating it a toss-up.

The Barrett campaign has responded to the controversy, with spokesperson Jason Roe describing the incorrect election date as “nothing but a proofing error.” Roe emphasized the campaign’s commitment to outreach within the Black community, stating, “It is important to Senator Barrett that every community be heard in this election.” He added that the Bulletin’s publisher informed the campaign of the error, and they have since provided corrected materials for the next issue.

Despite this, state Senators Erika Geiss and Sarah Anthony, who filed the complaint on behalf of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, argue that the presence of the correct date in other campaign materials raises serious concerns. They noted that as of Sunday, there had been no effort to rectify the mistake in the Michigan Bulletin, potentially causing confusion among Black voters in Lansing.

“At best, Tom Barrett and his campaign have committed a shocking oversight which will undoubtedly lead to confusion by Black voters in Lansing,” the lawmakers stated. “At worst, this ad could be part of an intentional strategy to deter Black voters by deceiving them into showing up to vote on the day after the 2024 election.”

The lawmakers’ concerns are heightened by the significance of voter turnout in their communities. They emphasized that misleading information can have a disproportionate impact on historically marginalized populations, particularly when it comes to participating in elections.

The timing of the ad’s publication, coupled with Barrett’s previous electoral history, adds further weight to their claims. The race for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District has attracted considerable attention due to its potential implications for party control in Congress. Democrats are eager to maintain their presence in the district, while Republicans are intent on gaining ground.

As the investigation unfolds, it remains crucial for both parties to ensure that voters are accurately informed about critical election details. With November 5 approaching, clarity around Election Day logistics is essential to facilitate informed participation among constituents.

In response to the complaint, CNN has reached out to the Michigan Attorney General’s office for further comment, but no official statement has been issued yet. The outcome of this investigation may have implications not just for Barrett’s campaign but also for the broader political landscape in Michigan as the elections draw near.

As discussions continue, the incident highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in political campaigns, particularly in an era where misinformation can significantly affect voter engagement and trust in the electoral process.