by David Lindfield
Macomb County Clerk Anthony G. Forlini has announced that noncitizens have been appearing in the county’s jury pool at what he described as an “alarming rate.”
Forlini also revealed that internal data suggests some may have also registered to vote, and even cast ballots, illegally.
Speaking during a press conference inside the courthouse jury room in Mount Clemens, Michigan, Forlini said a four-month internal review identified 239 noncitizens selected for jury duty between September 5, 2025, and January 8, 2026.
“This was just one county in Michigan over a four-month period,” Forlini said, warning that the issue could be far more widespread statewide.
Jury Pool Drawn from Driver’s License Database
Forlini explained that Macomb County’s jury pool is generated from the Michigan Secretary of State’s driver’s license database, which does not consistently flag citizenship status.
As a result, noncitizens, such as lawful permanent residents, can be swept into jury selection, despite being legally ineligible to serve under Michigan law.
After cross-checking the 239 noncitizens against the state’s Qualified Voter File (QVF), Forlini’s office found that 14 had been registered to vote at some point.
Of those, three appear to have voted, including one individual who voted multiple times, according to the clerk.
The three cases involving apparent voting activity have been referred to the county Corporation Counsel for consideration of felony charges.
Automatic Registration Raises Additional Concerns
Forlini said the problem is exacerbated by Michigan’s automatic voter registration system, which registers individuals when they apply for a driver’s license unless they opt out.