Secretary Benson testifies in support of Senate bills to implement the will of Michigan voters, improve election accessibility and security

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson testified Wednesay before the Senate Elections and Ethics Committee in support of bills to implement comprehensive election reforms approved by a wide, bipartisan majority of Michigan voters last November. The legislative package includes Senate Bills 367-374 and updates Michigan’s election laws to reflect the new constitutional voting rights passed in Proposal 2 of 2022.

“Last November, Michiganders turned out in record numbers and voted in a bipartisan manner to amend our state constitution, expand election laws, and secure every citizen’s voting rights," said Secretary Benson. “Since then, I have been working with many of you and your colleagues in the state Legislature, as well as clerks across the state to ensure that the amendment is enacted in a way that maintains the fairness, accuracy, and security that make Michigan’s elections system one of the strongest in the nation. The bills discussed today carry out the will of the voters while providing the flexibility needed by clerks in counties, cities, and townships of all sizes and geographies across the state.”

Benson noted that this legislation is the result of a deliberative process that involved state leaders from both sides of the aisle.

“I want to thank Chairman Moss and his colleagues who have worked so thoughtfully and diligently with my office, the Bureau of Elections, and clerks from across the state to incorporate the insight of election officials when drafting this legislation,” Benson said. “These bills are the result of a truly collaborative process that I’m confident brought about strong draft legislation for your consideration and further improvement.”

The Senate bills give every Michigan voter the right to return their absentee ballot to a secure drop box, by mail with prepaid postage, or to use an early voting site.

Benson also urged the committee to pass the early voting bill as quickly as possible to give clerks the certainty they need to prepare for the presidential primary election in February 2024.