Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Proposes Sweeping Election Reform For Michigan Voters

The November 2020 Election was one of the most secure in American history, but many still aren’t convinced. Skeptical GOP leaders who falsely claimed election fraud have also been calling for mass election reform.

“The legislative agenda is the will of Michigan voters. It is clear and unequivocal.” — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson

Instead of pushing back, some Michigan Democrats agree some reforms are necessary for future free and fair elections. They’re willing to bridge the partisan divide and create new measures in the interest of American voters. 

Listen: Michigan SOS Jocelyn Benson explains her proposed election reforms

Guest 

Jocelyn Benson is Michigan’s secretary of state. She recently proposed sweeping election reform proposals, including designating Election Day as a state holiday.

“It enables people to serve as election workers on Election Day,” says Benson. “It increases engagement and transparency of the process… And it does emphasize the preeminence of Election Day in our culture.” She believes an election holiday would create a more civically engaged culture. “We should celebrate the power that we have as citizens to choose our leaders,” she says.

These reforms would also work to prohibit “deceptive election practices that deter or mislead voters.” Although her office didn’t specify yet which practices would be banned, Benson says intentionally disseminating voting information that results in voters being misled should be a felony offense. “It’s still wrong on either side to allow intentional manipulation of the facts… to go unchecked.”

She emphasized no matter what, “The legislative agenda is the will of Michigan voters. It is clear and unequivocal.” 

Web story written by Nora Rhein.