Democracy Defense Project aims to combat election misinformation

LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) - Former Michigan politicians are joining a bipartisan effort to increase confidence in elections.

Michigan politicians from both sides of the aisle are trying to combat election misinformation through the Democracy Defense Project.

Former Democratic Lt. Governor John Cherry says this isn’t a new issue. He says election disappointment is a catalyst for misinformation to spread.

“Both Democrats and Republicans, I know some who I have a great deal of respect for that had, at times, difficulty accepting an election result,” Cherry said. “But, our focus is not going to be on the past.”

Cherry is joined by former Democratic Governor James Blanchard, former Republican Governor John Engler and former Republican Congressman Mike Bishop.

Bishop says bridging the gap between parties is vital for the future of the country.

“Understand that our disagreements are based on policy in most cases,” Bishop said. “But we all have a fundamental belief in the future of our country and a love for our country. That’s a concept that’s been lost in this country.”

The organization will use media buys as part of a national campaign to raise awareness of efforts to subvert elections across the country.

Blanchard says the goal of this project is to fight conspiracies and misinformation that may occur in this upcoming election. He explains the project’s specific actions depend on what’s being said.

“It’s a national effort,” Blanchard said. “It’s hard to know what we’re going to have to do. I would say this, we’re going to do what’s necessary to be successful.”

Engler says it’s important to focus on this upcoming election, instead of bringing up the past. He says politicians who claim an election is going to be rigged or stolen should focus on securing a decisive victory.

“Win big enough that this doesn’t matter, so that’s your answer,” Engler said. “We cannot replay or redo and no candidate can have redone for them any previous elections. We’re only focused on November 2024.”

Election Day is November 5.

Click here to visit the Michigan Voter Information Center.