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Michigan vote tally may take days, Benson warns. Others expect faster results.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says it could take until Friday to finalize state election results because of high turnout. Local clerks say they hope to have tallies by Wednesday morning.
Judge: Michigan can’t ban open carry guns on Election Day
Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s attempt to ban openly carried weapons at Michigan polling places on Election Day is “likely unlawful” and cannot be enforced, Court of Claims Judge Christopher Murray ruled Tuesday evening.
Michigan gun groups sue Benson to open carry at election polling sites
Gun rights groups say Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s new ban on openly carried weapons at Election Day polling places unfairly punishes residents who want “to exercise both their 2nd Amendment right to self-protection and their fundamental right to vote.”
Benson defends Michigan ban on guns at polls, says state police will enforce
A lawsuit is expected this week from gun rights groups, but Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson the law is on her side. “This is an effort to protect our voters from intimidation,” she said.
Jocelyn Benson bans open carry of guns at Michigan polls on Election Day
The guidance clarifies rules for the November general election, barring openly carrying guns and allowing concealed carry, except in certain locations. Gun rights advocates call the ban a partisan Democratic effort to discourage conservative voters and vow to sue.
Signature fight expected over Michigan petition drive to limit Whitmer powers
The Unlock Michigan group seeking to repeal Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency powers has collected enough signatures to advance its initiative to the Republican-led Legislature for likely enactment. But they may not be counted until next year, setting up a fight.
Jocelyn Benson to aid Detroit clerk after problems plagued primary election
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s office will help Detroit train workers and expand satellite clerk’s offices to reduce election issues. Nearly three-quarters of the city’s absentee precincts were ineligible for recounts.
Michigan judge upholds Jocelyn Benson’s absentee ballot application mailings
An appeals judge rules that Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was within her rights on a controversial decision to send out 7.7 million absentee ballot applications earlier this year.
President Trump worries about voter fraud. Here’s the reality in Michigan.
As Trump questions mail-in voting, records show Michigan has 225,000 more registered voters than voting-age residents. That is no proof of fraud, which experts say is rare, but some clerks say Michigan’s rolls need to be cleaned to increase confidence in elections.
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.