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Digital Accountability Suite

How Red White & Blue is your Secretary of State?

The Secretary of State has the important job of administering our elections and ensuring our democracy works for everyone

We can’t protect our air, land, water and health if we can’t make our voices heard at the ballot box. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson navigated our elections through a global pandemic with steadfast leadership and an unwavering commitment to access to the ballot. From effectively implementing new voting options with Proposal 3 in 2018, like no-reason absentee voting, secure drop boxes and early weekend voting to maintaining trust and transparency in our elections in the face of anti-democracy attacks, Secretary Benson has put voting rights at the center of her work during her time in office.

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As Secretary of State Benson serves as the head elections official in Michigan, we will continue to hold her and her office accountable through this tool — “How Red, White & Blue is your Secretary of State?”

Monitoring the Secretary of State’s office and sharing it’s work with Michiganders is vital in ensuring the office is held accountable for maintaining access to the ballot and ensuring our voices are heard. Our “How Red, White & Blue” tool tracks and grades actions by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and her office relevant to voting access and a healthy democracy.

The Big Picture

Review the most recent actions we’ve tracked and scored below.

13 positive
  • Support for the Michigan Voting Rights Act - Weight 3
    Tuesday December 3rd, 2024
    Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has been at the forefront of efforts to pass the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MVRA), a landmark piece of legislation designed to expand voting access and uphold the principles of the 15th Amendment. In addition to testifying before the Michigan House Committee on Elections, Benson has actively engaged with lawmakers, voting rights organizations, and the public to emphasize the importance of the MVRA in ensuring fair and equitable elections. The MVRA seeks to enhance voter access and participation by implementing measures such as translating election-related information in areas with large non-english speaking populations, improving accessibility for voters with disabilities, and ensuring that all eligible voters can cast their ballots without undue burdens. Secretary Benson has consistently highlighted the need for these reforms, promoting a more inclusive and representative democratic process in Michigan. By supporting the MVRA, Secretary Benson continues her commitment to protecting and promoting democracy, ensuring that every eligible voter in Michigan has the opportunity to elect champions that will prioritize people and the planet. 
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  • Secretary Benson Oversaw Record-Breaking Voter Turnout in 2024 Elections - Weight 2
    Tuesday November 5th, 2024
    Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson played a pivotal role in overseeing Michigan’s record-breaking early voting turnout for the 2024 General Election. With over 3.2 million votes cast before Election Day, Benson’s leadership ensured the successful implementation of Proposal 2, which expanded early voting and absentee ballot options. Her oversight included ensuring voting sites were fully staffed and accessible, ballots were securely handled, and voters received timely, accurate nonpartisan election information. Benson also prioritized transparency and communication with voters, launching campaigns to educate Michiganders about their early voting rights and how to cast absentee ballots securely. By October 22, early voting participation had already surpassed previous records, with voters taking advantage of expanded voting hours and options. Under Benson’s watch, the election process was not only efficient but also secure and free of any scale disruption, helping to alleviate congestion on Election Day and ensuring that every eligible voter could participate. Her proactive measures and leadership continue to strengthen Michigan’s election systems and ensure the integrity of the democratic process.
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  • Secretary Benson Launched New Tools to Boost Election Security and Share Voter Information - Weight 2
    Thursday September 26th, 2024
    On September 26, 2024, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson unveiled a series of new tools and system updates aimed at fortifying Michigan’s election security while improving access to voter information. Among the updates were enhancements to Michigan's election management system, including upgraded security features to monitor and protect voting systems against cyber threats. Additionally, Benson introduced a new suite of tools designed to combat misinformation and provide voters with accurate, up-to-date, nonpartisan election details. Key updates included absentee ballot tracking, allowing voters to track their ballots at all times. These tools provided transparency and ensured that voters had access to trusted sources of information, minimizing the risk of misinformation spreading through unofficial channels. Another vital tool launched was the Michigan Voter Information Texting tool, which offered voters direct access to personalized election data, including polling place locations, early voting hours, and election day instructions. Secretary Benson’s leadership in implementing these tools was integral to promoting election security, voter education, and confidence in Michigan’s election systems, setting a new standard for transparency and integrity in the 2024 General Election.
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  • Launched Michigan's First-Ever Voter Preregistration Week - Weight 1
    Monday September 9th, 2024
    On September 9, 2024, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced Michigan's first-ever Voter Preregistration Week, running from September 8 to 14. This initiative encouraged 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote, aiming to engage young people in the democratic process and build on Michigan's leadership in youth voter turnout. During this week, Secretary Benson emphasized the importance of youth participation in elections, stating, "Michigan needs your voice, your engagement, and your participation in our democratic process." The Voter Preregistration Week aimed to increase awareness among young people about the importance of voting and to prepare them for future elections. By pre-registering, young individuals could ensure they were ready to vote as soon as they turned 18, fostering a habit of civic engagement from an early age. This initiative was part of a broader effort to enhance youth participation in Michigan's electoral process, building on the state's previous successes in increasing youth voter turnout. By engaging young people early, Secretary Benson and the Michigan Department of State helped create a more informed and active electorate, strengthening the democratic process for future generations.
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  • Partnered to Restore State Identification for Returning Citizens - Weight 1
    Tuesday April 30th, 2024
    On April 30, 2024, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson continued her collaborative effort with the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) and local sheriff’s offices to assist returning citizens in restoring their state identification. This initiative aims to help individuals reenter society by providing access to a driver’s license or state ID, critical tools for securing employment, housing, and full participation in daily life.  Beyond just transportation, this partnership directly supports returning citizens’ constitutional right to vote. By ensuring that they can obtain identification, including driver’s licenses and state IDs, these citizens can more easily register to vote, ensuring their participation in Michigan’s elections. Secretary Benson has long championed voter rights, particularly for those who have served their sentences, working to remove barriers to civic engagement and encourage reintegration into the community. Since the partnership’s inception, over 20,000 returning citizens have been able to obtain critical identification, and nearly 6,000 in 2023 alone. This initiative not only facilitates smoother reentry into the workforce, but also strengthens Michigan's democracy by empowering returning citizens to fully exercise their rights.
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  • Supported Stronger Government Ethics Legislation - Weight 3
    Thursday April 18th, 2024
    On April 18, 2024, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson appeared before Michigan lawmakers to testify in favor of the B.R.I.T.E. (Building Responsibility, Integrity, Transparency, and Ethics) Act. She testified a second time on September 25, 2024, to further emphasize the critical importance of this legislation. The B.R.I.T.E. Act is a sweeping ethics reform package designed to strengthen government accountability by enhancing financial disclosure requirements, reinforcing conflict-of-interest policies, and increasing transparency across all branches of state government. Secretary Benson’s testimony highlighted the need to ensure that elected officials are held to the highest ethical standards. She argued that public officials should disclose their financial interests to prevent corruption and undue influence and to ensure that voters have access to information that fosters trust in government operations. Her advocacy for the B.R.I.T.E. Act builds on the successful implementation of Proposal 1 of 2022, which introduced Michigan’s first personal financial disclosure requirements for elected officials. Secretary Benson’s leadership in pushing for comprehensive ethics reforms reflects her dedication to creating a more transparent and accountable government, further empowering Michigan voters.
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  • Refuted False Claims of Voter Fraud - Weight 1
    Friday April 12th, 2024
    On April 12, 2024, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson addressed false claims made by Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, who alleged that "potentially hundreds of thousands of votes" were cast by non-citizens in Michigan. Benson swiftly refuted these allegations, emphasizing that Michigan's election system incorporates rigorous checks and balances to ensure only eligible citizens can vote. These measures include stringent voter ID requirements and a robust system for verifying voter eligibility. She stated, "When President Trump, Speaker Johnson, and others call for states to do things we are already doing or ban things that are already banned, they aren’t actually supporting election integrity." This incident is part of a broader pattern of misinformation surrounding elections. For instance, in 2020, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary Benson responded to President Trump's suggestion that voters attempt to vote twice, reminding Michiganders that intentionally voting twice is illegal and will be prosecuted. By confronting such misinformation head-on, Secretary Benson reinforces her commitment to maintaining public trust in Michigan's elections. Her proactive approach ensures that voters are accurately informed and that the integrity of the electoral process is upheld, safeguarding the democratic rights of all Michiganders.
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  • Launched Michigan Transparency Network to Boost Public Accountability - Weight 1
    Thursday March 14th, 2024
    On March 14, 2024, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson unveiled the Michigan Transparency Network, a first-of-its-kind online tool that enables the public to access personal financial disclosure reports for elected officials. The launch coincided with Sunshine Week, a national initiative dedicated to promoting transparency in government. This platform is a significant milestone in implementing Proposal 1 of 2022, which mandated increased disclosure requirements for Michigan’s elected officials. The Michigan Transparency Network provides information on the financial interests, income sources, and potential conflicts of interest for elected officials, ensuring voters have access to the information they need to hold public servants accountable. By streamlining access to these reports, Secretary Benson aims to strengthen public trust in government and foster a more transparent and responsive democracy. This launch is the latest in Secretary Benson’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and voter confidence. Under her leadership, the Michigan Department of State continues to prioritize initiatives that promote openness, combat corruption, and empower citizens to participate more fully in the democratic process.
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  • Secretary Benson Federally Advocates on the Dangers of Artificial Intelligence in Elections - Weight 1
    Wednesday November 8th, 2023
    Weight 1 Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson represented the nation's secretaries of state at a federal forum on A.I. Insight on Democracy and Elections. She presented the risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in elections and the need for funding at the state and federal levels to address them. Artificial intelligence is a technology used to collect and generate information, including visual, audio, and video content. It can be a helpful tool in finding and compiling information quickly. A.I. also has the potential to negatively influence elections and voters by spreading misinformation on the candidates, voting information and locations, and purging voter rolls by challenging voter registrations. Secretary Benson focused on five ways A.I. could impact elections: (1) the ability to create and spread disinformation in hyper-targeted areas, (2) targeting populations of voters with misinformation in multiple languages, (3) increase harassment of election officials and poll workers, (4) target and challenge more voter registrations to invalidate their ballot, (5) increase in cyber attacks of voting and election systems.  In October 2023, Secretary Benson supported House bills 5141, 5143, 5144, and 5145 in the Michigan Legislature to prohibit A.I. use in campaign advertisements and communications without a disclosure of A.I. use clearly stated in the same material. These bills are now public acts in Michigan.  Michigan LCV supports Secretary Benson in her efforts to protect voters from misinformation and advocate for the harm artificial intelligence could have on fair elections.
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  • Secretary Benson Advances Michigan’s Own Voting Rights Act - Weight 2
    Sunday July 23rd, 2023
    Weight: 2 Michigan is now in the vanguard position protecting democracy and elections in America.  Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and the legislature have proposed, advanced, and enacted a series of bills implementing two statewide citizen proposals expanding and protecting access to the ballot in Michigan. Under Secretary Benson’s leadership voting in Michigan has become much more convenient, accessible, and just, while maintaining the highest standards of security, and she’s not stopping there.  During the summer of 2023 Secretary Benson worked with Senate partners to introduce the Michigan Voting Rights Act (Senate Bills 401-404). This series of bills were in response to ongoing attacks on the U.S. Voting Rights act, including Section 5 and the 10th anniversary of the US Supreme Court’s Shelby County Vs. Holder decision.  The intent of the Act is to accomplish four objectives:: 
    1. Prohibit voter denial, dilution, and/or suppression. 
    2. Require and expand the jurisdictions that must translate election-related information into languages other than English, to ensure that language minority groups in our state have an equal opportunity to participate in the voting process.
    3. Enhance and clarify protections for voters with disabilities or who otherwise need assistance to vote.
    4. Prohibit intimidation, coercion, and deceptive practices of government and private actors with the intent or results in protected classes not participating in the election. The action can be before, during, or after the election.
    Much work remains in perfecting and advancing the Michigan’s Voting Rights act, by scoring the introduced act Michigan LCV recognizes the critical leadership and direction Secretary Benson is moving the state - a direction where all eligible Michiganders will have free, safe, secure, and equitable access to the ballot. 
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  • HBs 4594, 4697, 4699 and SBs 370 and 372: Absentee Ballot Tracker and List, Prepaid Postage, and State Funded Drop Boxes - Weight 3
    Wednesday July 5th, 2023
    In partnership with both House and Senate members, SOS Benson has worked collaboratively with both chambers to ensure Proposal 2 implementation expands fair and equitable voting access in Michigan. That advocacy included support for a number of House and Senate bills that would make absentee voting more accessible to all Michigan voters, regardless of their zip code or financial status:  
    • HB 4594: Absentee Ballot Tracker
    • HB 4697: State-funded Ballot Dropboxes
    • HB 4699: Permanent Mail Ballot List 
    • SB 370:   Prepaid Postage for Absentee Ballots and Applications
    • SB 372: State-funded Ballot Dropboxes
    HB 4594 (Rep. Wegela) would require the Secretary of State to create and implement an absentee ballot application and absentee ballot voting tracker. This will ensure voters know their application and absentee ballot’s status with the Secretary of State. HB 4699 (Rep. Byrnes) would create a permanent absentee voter list that allows voters to automatically receive an absentee ballot each year without needing to apply annually. SB 370 (Sen. Santana) would cover the costs of postage for absentee ballots and applications, eliminating a logistical and financial burden for voters and making voting by mail more accessible and efficient. HB 4697 (Rep. Koleszar) and SB 372 (Sen. Camilleri) implements the state funded dropbox requirement of Proposal 2, requiring all cities and townships to have at least one dropbox and larger ones to have 1 dropbox per 15,000 registered voters. Dropboxes are a secure, efficient, and convenient way for voters to return absentee ballots and applications and this bill helps to establish equitable access to dropboxes for all Michigan voters.
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  • Budget Advocacy: $177 million for Proposal 2 - Weight 3
    Wednesday July 5th, 2023
    Fully funded elections are part of Michigan’s critical infrastructure. They help to protect democracy and uplift the voices of voters. Since the passage of Proposal 2 in the November 2022 election, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has continued to defend the crucial need for the full funding for proper implementation of Proposal 2. In January, SOS Benson sent a letter to the top lawmakers and executive staff to request an estimated $150 million for the successful implementation of Proposal 2. Since then, that number has increased to $177 million. This $177 million would implement the changes to Michigan elections that Proposal 2 institutes including:
    • $105 million: Nine days of early in-person voting (Polling locations/rental, local clerks/townships increase, equipment upgrades)
      • Staff for nine days of early voting, absentee ballot processing and tabulation
    • $50 million: 
      • State-funded dropboxes (2000+ more drop boxes are needed to meet the 1 per 15,000 voter requirement)
      • $5 million: Prepaid postage for absentee ballots and applications
    • $20 million:
      • Technical upgrades
    • $3 million:
      • Financial disclosure requirements
      "The bottom line of all of this is the importance of fully funding our elections," … "We hope that you will work with clerks and with our team to provide predictable, sustainable and efficient funding of our elections." - Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
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  • HB 4695 and SB 367: 9 Days of Early In Person Voting - Weight 3
    Tuesday June 6th, 2023
    Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has continued to work collaboratively with the House and Senate to advocate for the swift passage of Proposal 2 implementation bills. HB 4695, introduced by Representative Tsernoglou, and SB 367, introduced by Senator Moss, would implement the early voting provision of Proposal 2, further expanding Michigan voters’ options for casting a ballot.  “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.” - SOS Benson (June 6, 2023 during Senate Elections) These bills would codify the minimum requirement for nine days of early voting for all statewide and federal elections. SOS Benson has testified in support of these bills in front of both the House and Senate elections committees as they would allow municipal and county agreements to conduct early voting, providing local clerks the opportunity to choose a model of early voting that works best for their jurisdictions.
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