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Michigan Secretary of State
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Michigan Legislature, Gov. Whitmer head for showdown on roads, redistricting
Republican-led House and Senate committees approve road funding at levels well below what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has demanded. Constraints placed on Secretary of State and Attorney General offices may also draw pushback from the governor.
Michigan’s Secretary of State promised 30-minute waits — lines are worse
Jocelyn Benson swept into office vowing to serve customers in 30 minutes. But wait times in 2019 are at their highest in five years, up to two or three hours in some branches. Benson says it's the result of long-term underinvestment to be solved with hard structural change.
Check out wait times at your Michigan Secretary of State offices
Lines have gotten longer so far this year, compared with wait times in 2018. This Bridge database allows you to see how times have changed in branch offices near you.
Will this application help Michigan select a fair redistricting commission?
The Secretary of State has released a proposed application to serve on the new redistricting commission. The public can offer comment through Aug. 9.
What to expect in Michigan’s first election since voting rights amendment
Tuesday, May 7 will be the first election where Michigan voters will exercise a variety of rights enacted by a sweeping amendment approved in November.
Jocelyn Benson says she’s committed to increasing Michigan voter turnout
The newly elected Michigan Democratic Secretary of State says she’s hosting town hall forums and working with local clerks to enhance voter rights and boost turnout in elections.
Jocelyn Benson plans overhaul of Michigan Secretary of State offices
The Secretary of State visited all 131 branch offices in her first 100 days in office. What she found, she said, “was heartbreaking.”
Pro-Whitmer group broke Michigan campaign finance laws, Benson finds
Build a Better Michigan and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s campaign committee engaged in express advocacy, Democratic Sec. of State Jocelyn Benson announced Friday, and must pay pay a $37,500 fine.
Federal court scuttles Michigan gerrymandering deal, rejects trial delay
Less than a week before a trial is expected to start, federal judges paved the way for a landmark showdown over Michigan’s legislative districts, which Republicans drew and Democrats have derided as unfair.
Michigan Democratic leaders Whitmer, Nessel and Benson working in concert
The women meet regularly and, just weeks into office, are finding strategic ways to disrupt GOP laws and policy. Their alignment contrasts with the frosty relations between Gov. Snyder and Republican leaders during his tenure.
Jocelyn Benson seeks to settle gerrymandering suit by redrawing House seats
Michigan’s new Democratic Secretary of State proposes deal before 2020 elections. Republican lawmakers call effort a partisan coup.
Gerrymandering settlement would give Michigan Dems hope, GOP despair
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is drawing fire from Republicans, who say she’s trying to ‘rig elections to favor Democrats’ with a deal to end a suit over redistricting.
Michigan secretary of state wants to settle gerrymandering lawsuit
Jocelyn Benson seeks to settle the lawsuit that labeled the state’s legislative districts unfair. A settlement could pave way for new districts to be drawn for the 2020 election.
Will Jocelyn Benson defend Michigan gerrymandering tactics she once fought?
The new Michigan secretary of state has spent years criticizing partisan redistricting. Now she heads the office that has defended the state against gerrymandering accusations. A federal trial is only weeks away.
Opinion | Grabbing campaign finance from Michigan Secretary State a cynical ploy
A state commission to be judge and jury over campaign finance violations would be a disaster just like the Federal Elections Commission. Mike Staebler says he knows: his father was on the original FEC.
Michigan Republicans advance bills on campaign finance, voting, education
Spoiler alert: Democrats aren’t happy
Michigan GOP moves bills that foes say will weaken incoming Democrats’ power
Republican-introduced legislation would create a new bipartisan commission responsible for campaign finance regulation, removing the power from the Secretary of State’s office.
Overnight, it’s a new Michigan. Women sweep to power in change election.
Welcome, legalized pot. So long, gerrymandering. Democrats and women score big victories, as ballot measures all pass. Republicans hold onto Legislature, promising divided government.
Here’s who endorsed the 2018 Michigan Secretary of State candidates
Democrat Jocelyn Benson has the backing of Michigan’s former elections director. Republican Mary Treder Lang counts two former Republican Secretaries of State.
Republicans outraise Democrats in bids for Michigan statewide offices
In the last campaign finance filing deadline before the Nov. 6 general election, Bridge looks at contributions for state Supreme Court, Attorney General and Secretary of State. In all three races, Republicans outraised their Democratic rivals.