Board of State Canvassers welcomes two new members, elects new leadership

PHOTO: Chairperson presents outgoing members with resolution to honor their service

LANSING, Mich. – At their Feb. 21 meeting, the Board of State Canvassers welcomed two new board members, elected a new chairperson and vice chairperson, and presented resolutions to two outgoing members to commemorate their years of service. 
 
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Heather Cummings (D), of Novi, and Paul Cordes (R), of Rockford, to the board for a term expiring Jan. 31, 2029. Cummings and Cordes succeed Jeannette Bradshaw (D) and Anthony Daunt (R), whose terms have expired. The board also elected Richard Houskamp (R) to serve as the chairperson, and Mary Ellen Gurewitz (D) to serve as vice chairperson. 
 
“I am honored to be appointed to the board, and I look forward to working with both parties in a collaborative way,” said incoming board member Heather Cummings. “This is a very important position to be in, especially with all the changes that are going on. Our next election is going to give us a lot of work. I’m also looking forward to learning everything because I have a lot to learn.” 
 
“I’m honored to receive this appointment and to have the opportunity to service on the Board of State Canvassers. As a canvasser, I will aim to ensure transparency, fairness, accuracy, and security in our electoral process,” incoming board member Paul Cordes said.  
 
Houskamp presented resolutions to outgoing members Bradshaw and Daunt to honor their years of service. The resolutions stated, in part, that Bradshaw and Daunt “demonstrated a steadfast commitment to upholding election law and showed exceptional dedication integrity and service in ensuring defense, accuracy and transparency of Michigan elections.” 
 
“Thank you very much for the resolution,” outgoing Republican board member Anthony Daunt said. “What a pleasure it was mostly to serve and get to know these folks. I think it's a very prime example of how government can work in terms of a bipartisan fashion and get the work done that you need to get done, not by giving up on your principles, but realizing you got to find a way to get votes necessary. And I think we did a great job with that and to the staff that (did) just tremendous work providing us the information that we needed. You worked very hard.” 
 
“Listen and ask questions and enjoy your time,” outgoing Democratic board member Jeannette Bradshaw said to the new board members. “It'll definitely be different. And we're going into different times, and it's very interesting to see what was brought in front of you today, because it'll change every single time. You’ll probably see me sitting in your room, not critiquing, but paying attention, because this was, this still is, and will be a very important part, and having public comment and questions that come from everyday people wondering what's going on with this board.” 
 
The board is composed of four members who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Two board members are selected from each of the two political parties receiving the greatest number of votes in the last election for Secretary of State.  
 
To watch Friday’s full board meeting, visit the Michigan Department of State’s YouTube channel.

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