ON THE ROAD
WITH TONY...
Welcome to our February newsletter!
We are very proud that we are the first county in Michigan to launch an online tool called "Ballot Verifier."
With this tool, online users can see, for free, anonymous ballot images presented alongside the actual records of how the tabulator counted the votes on election day.
Adding this type of transparency will help bolster confidence for Macomb County voters -- that their ballots were tabulated accurately. Plus, again, all ballots are anonymous. No ballot can be traced back to any individual voter. The system ensures transparency and integrity of election results, while protecting voter privacy and security.
See more features about this breakthrough technology below!
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Have you ever considered becoming a notary public?
It’s easier than you might think! See our feature below on how our office makes the application process simple.
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CLICK HERE to subscribe or opt out to this newsletter
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F E A T U R E
Macomb County Clerk’s Office Introduces Online ‘Ballot Verifier’
An anonymous ballot image is presented alongside the record of how the tabulator counted the vote on election day.
In a continuing effort to promote election transparency, Macomb County Clerk Anthony G. Forlini is introducing “Ballot Verifier” software to the County’s Election Department website.
“This new product displays scanned images of the actual ballot a citizen voted and shows how the tabulator recorded their vote. This is all done while maintaining a voter's confidentiality. Visitors to our website will be able to browse, zoom and compare side-by-side the exact ballot images without needing a special FOIA request,” said Macomb County Clerk Anthony G. Forlini.
“Ballot Verifier,” a product offered by a US based election software company Civera, is a public platform for the viewing, comparing and checking the count of every ballot and Cast Vote Record (CVR) cast in an election. Macomb County also uses Civera’s “Election Stats,” a web-based searchable database of historic elections, ballot questions, and voter turnout statistics.
The tool allows users to filter by type of ballot and even drill right down to precinct level to see an image of every single one of the ballots counted. Crucially, the ballot images are presented alongside what is known as the “cast vote record,” which is the record of how the tabulator counted the vote on election day. By showing these side-by-side, anyone can instantly see whether there are any discrepancies.
“Adding this type of transparency will help bolster confidence for Macomb County voters -- that their ballots were tabulated accurately,” said Clerk Forlini. “Plus, all ballots are anonymous. No ballot can be traced back to any individual voter. The system ensures transparency and integrity of election results, while protecting voter privacy and security.
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I N T H E N E W S
WXYZ Channel 7 News Detroit: Macomb County first in Michigan to launch online 'Ballot Verifier'
Macomb County is now the first county in Michigan to offer residents a way to verify ballots online, thanks to a new software platform called Civera.
CLICK HERE TO PLAY VIDEO
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Becoming a Notary Public is Simple
Have you ever considered becoming a notary public? It’s easier than you might think!
To qualify in Michigan, you simply need to:
- Be a resident of Michigan
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have no felony or misdemeanor convictions
- Be able to read and write in English
- Not be incarcerated in any correctional facility
If you can check all those boxes, your next step is obtaining a $10,000 surety bond from a surety agent licensed to do business in the state.
Once you’ve secured your bond, visit the Macomb County Clerk’s Office website to complete and submit your application.
After that, stop by our office to finalize the process and receive the exemplary service you’ve come to expect from your favorite Clerk’s Office!
Becoming a notary is a simple way to expand your professional credentials. Why not take the next step today?
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'Fraud Notify' Alerts Sign-Ups Hit 23,000 Mark
The Macomb County Clerk's Office free "Fraud Notify" alerts system has hit the 23,000 participants milestone during the month of February.
Clerk Forlini has watched the modest 1,300 sign-ups in 2021 balloon to the 23,000 mark during his five years in office.
With just a quick registration, Fraud Notify participants are notified via email anytime a document is recorded or changed under their name. That way, the residents and local businesses can determine if the recording is legitimate, giving them an early warning against potential property fraud.
For more information about "Fraud Notify" alerts, visit macombgov.org/clerk
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Clerk's Office Genealogy Section Hosts Records Dating Back to 1819
Our ancestors play a powerful role in shaping who we are. While most of us never had the chance to meet the family members who lived 100 or even 200 years ago, their stories still matter and discovering them can be incredibly meaningful.
At the Macomb County Clerk’s Office, we’re proud to help connect the dots and answer long-standing family questions through access to our Vital Records Genealogy service.
Here’s what you can explore:
Birth Records
- Records begin in 1867.
- Birth records that are more than 100 years old are open to public inspection and may be obtained by anyone.
Death Records
- Records begin in 1867.
- Indexes from 1867–1933 are available for in-person viewing.
- Records from 1934–1958 are stored off-site but can be obtained through special request.
- Records from 1958 to present are available for purchase as certified copies.
Marriage Records
- Records from 1819–1925 are open for public inspection, and indexes may be viewed.
- Records from 1926 to present are available for purchase as certified copies.
Whether you’re building your family tree or uncovering a piece of local history, our office is here to support your genealogical journey. Your family’s story is waiting to be discovered, and we’re honored to help you find it.
CLICK HERE to visit our Genealogy web page
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S T A F F F E A T U R E
Clerk's Office Deputy Jennifer Walker Honored
for Five Years of Service to Macomb County
Clerk's Office Chief Deputy Register of Deeds Jennifer Walker was recently honored for five years of service to the County.
During her five years at the Clerk’s Office, Jennifer's focus has not only been technology and process improvement, but most importantly, leading a staff through multiple administration changes, boosting morale and improving staff retention.
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Oakland University and has been a lifelong resident of Shelby Township in Macomb County. Jennifer, a self-proclaimed Sci-Fi geek, enjoys music, antiquing, and time spent with friends, family and her rescue cat, Maximus Catticus.
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Other Clerk's Office Staff Members Milestones
Congratulations to Clerk's Office Elections Department staff member Cameron Bruce, who was recently honored for five years of service to the County.
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Congratulations to Clerk's Office Vital Records Department staff member Sandy Orlando, who was recently honored for five years of service to the County.
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Congratulations to Clerk's Office Judicial Court Clerk Nicole Buffa-Sylvester, who was recently honored for 10 years of service to the County.
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