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Michigan GOP lawmakers claim Jocelyn Benson’s absentee ballot mailings illegal
Former Secretary of State Ruth Johnson brings local clerks to Lansing who claim her successor is ‘throwing spaghetti at the wall’ with experiments during an election year. Democrats denounce the hearing as political theater and nonsense.
Lawsuit: Jocelyn Benson allowing ‘suspiciously high’ voter registration rates
A conservative activist sues Michigan’s top elections officials, alleging that 16 of the state’s 83 counties have registration rates of more than 90 percent of eligible voters. A state spokesperson calls the suit a publicity stunt.
Trump threatens Michigan funding over Benson absentee application plan
The president said he’d “hold up funding” for the state as it faces a $6.2 billion budget shortfall due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Jocelyn Benson orders Michigan to mail absentee applications to all voters
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s office will use $4.5 million in CARES Act funding to send applications to 7.7 million registered voters. The plan is likely to be opposed by Republicans.
Thousands want to draw Michigan’s political districts. Most are white men.
A new independent redistricting panel has attracted 6,000 volunteers, but Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says they don’t yet reflect Michigan’s demographic and geographic diversity.
30-minute guarantee at Michigan Secretary of State — if you have appointment
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said she’s met her promise of 30-minute waits at every branch office, thanks to innovative changes. Walk-ins, though, can still wait for hours and getting an appointment at busier branches can take time.
Liberal super PAC sues Michigan over voting restrictions
Priorities USA argues in two lawsuits that state laws prohibiting certain voter services unconstitutionally restrict the right to vote. A state Republican leader said the restrictions are important to discourage voter fraud.
Applications open for new Michigan redistricting commission. What to know.
Registered state voters can apply to serve on the commission until next June. Here’s what you need to do.
Michigan law limiting ballot drives unconstitutional, court rules
The law places a 15 percent cap per congressional district on signature gathering for ballot initiatives. The court said that unfairly hampers the public’s rights.
Michigan’s Republican Legislature sends budgets to Whitmer — vetoes expected
A one-time road funding increase and cuts to the Secretary of State’s office are among the Republican budget decisions that Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has strongly opposed, and may veto.
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.