In September 2019, the Michigan State Police arrested a Democratic Party official, Sherikia Hawkins, on six felony charges related to election fraud. The arrest followed an investigation into discrepancies discovered during the certification of absentee ballots in Oakland County, Michigan.
Hawkins, 38, who served as the city clerk for Southfield, Michigan, had recently received an award from the state’s Democratic Party. However, she was taken into custody after the Oakland County Clerk’s office identified irregularities in voter counts during the certification process for absentee ballots from Southfield.
The subsequent investigation by the Michigan State Police revealed that records had been altered, improperly listing nearly 200 voter files as invalid. According to court documents, 193 absentee voter files were changed in the city’s computer system to indicate they lacked either a signature or a return date, despite possessing both valid signatures and return dates.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson issued a statement emphasizing the importance of election integrity. “Our elections are the foundation of our democracy, and under my and Attorney General [Dana] Nessel’s administration there will be no tolerance for any actions that undermine that foundation — anywhere, anytime, by any person or official,” she said.
Further investigation revealed that after Oakland County Election Director Joseph Rozell discovered the altered reports submitted by Hawkins, his staff located the original, unaltered reports in a trashcan at the election division office.
Benson assured the public that the alleged fraud did not impact the election’s outcome. “All valid votes in the election were ultimately counted and the final official vote total was accurate,” she stated, according to The Detroit News.
Hawkins’ arrest occurred shortly after she was honored at the Michigan Democratic Party’s Legacy Dinner on May 18, where she received the Dingell/Levin Award. She had also been recognized in 2017 as one of the “40 under 40” by the Michigan Chronicle, based on her government bio from her previous position as Pontiac city clerk. Hawkins was the first African-American elected as Southfield city clerk. The city’s website stated, “Sherikia takes pride in using unconventional methods to engage the community in voting.” Her term was scheduled to end in 2021.
Hawkins faced charges including falsifying records in violation of state election law, forgery of a public record, misconduct in office, and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime. The most serious charge carried a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, Fox News reported. She was arraigned and released on a $15,000 bond, according to a state press release. A probable cause conference was set for Sept. 30, with another hearing scheduled for Oct. 15.
Despite the evidence, Hawkins’ attorneys argued that the case involved a mere technicality. Attorney David Jones stated that Hawkins had a history of overseeing problem-free elections and lacked any motive to alter absentee ballots. “In fact Jocelyn Benson and Dana Nessel’s own press conference indicates that there was no voter disenfranchisement,” Jones pointed out. “So while there may have been some technical issues with regard to the voter list or the results, no voter was disenfranchised. Every vote was counted. I think this is a matter of something, technicality over substance, and I think she is going to be vindicated.”
The Attorney General’s Public Integrity Unit was assigned to prosecute the case. This case highlights the importance of election integrity and the legal ramifications for those who attempt to undermine the democratic process. The investigation and subsequent arrest underscore the commitment of Michigan authorities to ensuring fair and accurate elections. The charges against Hawkins serve as a reminder of the serious consequences for election officials who violate the law.
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