What is your take on voter fraud in Michigan?  To listen to the Democrats it doesn't exist at all but the evidence sure seems to paint a different picture.  And then, assuming its out there, what specifically in Michigan do we need to do to prevent it?

Michigan is certainly not impervious to voter fraud.  ACORN was very active in Michigan in our last election cycle and there were complaints filed with the Michigan Secretary of State's office alleging duplicate and fraudulent voter registration on their behalf, as well as on behalf of other groups.  

Our township and county Clerks are particularly concerned about such fraud because they are on the front lines of elections, and they look to Michigan's Secretary of State for guidance and support.  I'm proud that so many of Michigan's Clerks have come out in support of me so early - it's a strong vote of confidence from our election administrators!

So, our first line of prevention is a strong Secretary of State who has experience with the election process and who has a fundamental understanding of the laws and statutes that regulate our elections.  

Do you support Michigan's new photo ID law?  Do you believe it is an effective tool for maintaining the integrity of the ballot?

Yes I do and I believe the majority of Michiganders support this law.  It is inevitable that parties will attempt to weaken Michigan's election process, as they have done in other cities and states, in order to "stack the deck" in their favor.  It's not fair to our democratic process and it's not fair to Michigan voters.  

We make photo ID's available to anyone in Michigan in one form or another and they are easy to obtain.  Requiring photo ID's at the ballot box is a simple and very effective mechanism that strengthens the integrity of our elections.  Our Clerks agree, the people of Michigan agree, and so do I.  

Do you support or oppose no reason absentee voting?

I support ways to make voting accessible and convenient but not at the expense of the integrity of the ballot.  For this I oppose no reason absentee voting.  I do not oppose it simply because the Democrats are in favor if it- I oppose it because it weakens the integrity of our elections.  We have seen a new disturbing rise in fringe groups who seek to win elections by creating new rules and our next SOS will have to deal with these groups to a degree that no other SOS has yet.  A new law such as this might easily become a new tool by which these groups can continue to perpetuate election fraud and voter disenfranchisement.  

Voting is a responsibility entrusted to every citizen in Michigan.  It requires every individual to simply show up to the polls, unless circumstances preclude it, and identify themselves.  It works surprisingly well when we follow the constructs of the election process!  It is a right and responsibility given to every citizen and we must guard this right.  

I would like to make voting more accessible for the men and women serving us in the military overseas.  There are ways we can do this electronically while still preserving the integrity of the process.

And finally, we still haven't received from the current Republican Secretary of State a ruling on serious campaign finance violations dating all the way back to Congressman Mark Schauer's handling of Democratic accounts in 2006.  Will we see a resolution of this issue, one way or another, in a Norlander Department of State, and how committed are you in principle to resolving complaints in a timely manner?

Resolution on matters such as this are important and we will certainly take a look at all unresolved matters from the previous administration.

I understand the importance of proper investigation and rulings.  There must be a balance between investigation and timely resolution. My administration will place a strong emphasis on investigating matters like this with due diligence and resolving them fairly and expediently.  

Is there anything else you'd like to cover while we've got the opportunity?

Nick, thank you for what you do at Right Michigan. I love this form of media because it allows candidates like me to get beyond the "sound bites" and expound on real life matters that our next SOS will face.

I intend to use my website, www.annenorlander.com as a place where voters may get to know me better and I want to encourage your readers to stop by and say hi!

The landscape of Michigan and American politics changed dramatically with this last election.  New groups like ACORN have become a force to be reckoned with in many states, including ours.  We must look at our Secretary of State's power to take these groups on, and that power is largely derived by experience.  I am proud of mine and I know that voters will find confidence in it.

I want you to know that, as your next Secretary of State, I will be accessible and available to you, other media outlets, and voters.  Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any other questions!

Awesome, and thanks again!  Looking forward to connecting again in the future!