Trust in the electoral process has always been a topic of concern in recent elections. It seems that with each passing vote, the question lingers: Where is the trustworthiness, and where do we find trust within this system designed to represent us? This sentiment was palpable for At-Large Detroit City Councilmember Mary Waters’ camp as Detroiters watched the results of the August 6 Democratic primary for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District unfold.
With nearly 40% of precincts reporting, projections began to solidify the narrative that incumbent Shri Thanedar would secure victory over At-Large Detroit City Councilmember Waters and attorney Shakira Hawkins. As of 8 a.m. on August 7, Thanedar led the race with 54% of the votes (39,807), while Waters followed with 34% (25,029), and Hawkins trailed with 11% (8,251). But the story doesn’t end with the numbers; it extends into the deep concerns raised by the candidates and the broader implications for our community.
“He (Thanedar) needs to do better for those that he represents and I’m just not sure if he can. I’m not sure if he has that within him,” said Waters at her election watch party. “I’m not sure if he has the ability to care enough to do that. I don’t see that in him, and I’ve been looking for it; it’s just not there.”
Waters, who confirms that she fought hard for her place in this race, did not take the outcome lightly. With the support of her campaign team, she announced plans to call upon the United States Department of Justice to investigate the handling of absentee ballots and the overall vote-counting process. “Something is wrong with the length of time it took to count those absentee ballots and votes in Detroit,” Waters expressed in a press release on Friday. Her concerns were not just about her campaign but about the integrity of the election process.
Waters pointed out the suspicious nature of 10,000 absentee ballots arriving at once and questioned the methodology used to verify those signatures. Her demand for an investigation was not just a call to protect her candidacy but a broader plea for ensuring that every vote, especially in a city with such a significant Black population, is counted accurately and without delay. “We certainly deserve answers before November’s presidential election,” Waters insisted.
Adding weight to Waters’ stance, her campaign manager, Sam Riddle, who is also her significant other, emphasized the significance of her role in representing Black voters in Detroit. In a press release, Riddle highlighted that Waters represents more Black voters than any other Black woman in Michigan holding municipal office with budgetary oversight. Riddle believes that as one of only two council members representing the entire city of Detroit, her influence is far-reaching.
Riddle also sought fit to highlight Waters’ background, noting that she is a Breast Cancer Survivor and a graduate of the University of Michigan. Waters made history as the first Black woman to serve as Democratic Floor Leader in the Michigan House of Representatives. During her time in office, she maintained a perfect attendance record and served as floor leader for then-state representative Gretchen Whitmer.
“Any candidate gets a little nervous awaiting the results,” Waters shared on election night as results were folding in. “Because you know that you put the work in and you hope that people can see things the way that you see it and that is just why this race is so important to have someone in Washington D.C. representing for us, fighting for us and we don’t have that right now. The 13th congressional district has been neglected.”
But as the tension around the election results grew, another voice emerged to address the situation—former Detroit Mayor and current Keep Our Republic Advisor, Ken Cockrel Jr. He issued a firm statement disavowing any efforts to discredit the recent election results. Cockrel’s message was clear: undermining the integrity of our electoral process without evidence is not just reckless; it’s dangerous.
“It is dangerous to spread misinformation or to attempt to discredit an election when you don’t understand the process or are unhappy with the outcome,” Cockrel stated. His words were a sobering reminder that the consequences of amplifying doubt, especially without facts, could have severe implications, particularly as we approach the November general election.
Election officials in Wayne County have also weighed in, noting that while the delay in results was evident, it was not indicative of wrongdoing. The technical difficulties that slowed the counting process were part of the challenges faced by the state’s most populous region, Cockrel noted that some level of delay was to be expected for that reason alone. Even with these delays, officials maintained that the correct, standard process for counting ballots was followed, ensuring that the certification and verification of signatures were completed accurately.
State lawmakers recently passed legislation allowing clerks to begin processing absentee ballots early, though counting can’t begin until 7:00 a.m. on Election Day. This legislation was intended to help manage the volume of absentee ballots, especially in areas like Detroit.
Despite these challenges, the integrity of Michigan’s electoral process remains intact. Cockrel’s call to the community was one of unity and resilience. He urged all citizens to support and respect the democratic process and to rely on verified information rather than succumbing to sensationalism. The importance of accurate reporting and constructive dialogue cannot be overstated, especially in times of heightened political tension.
“The consequences of amplifying doubt in results without facts or evidence, will be much more severe if it occurs after the November general election,” said Cockrel.
As we reflect on this primary election, it’s clear that the trust in our electoral system is something that must be earned and maintained through transparency, accountability, and the active participation of the community. Whether it’s the concerns raised by Mary Waters or the call for calm by Ken Cockrel Jr., the message is the same: our democracy is only as strong as the trust we place in it and the actions we take to protect it.
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