Insider Intelligence

Across the country there has been a wave of resignations and retirements from members of congress who have served only a short time after spending significant personal energy to become elected. Since January, 22 members of congress have left or have announced they will retire at the end of the term. Of those, 18 are […]

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson asked Michigan citizens to provide their input on the application language and eligibility guidelines for the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. The commission was created through a vote on Michigan’s November 2018 ballot. It shifted the responsibility of drawing Michigan Legislature and U.S. Congressional districts from the state legislature to a […]

A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit brought on behalf of student voting groups last year. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the steps her office will take to help promote participation among college-age voters, resolving the lawsuit. The groups filed a lawsuit against the previous secretary of state in August 2018, challenging the […]

Using risk-limiting audits, the Bureau of Elections will partner with local election officials and national experts to verify the results of the May 7 local elections. The Bureau of Elections, which is housed within the Secretary of State’s office, will partner with clerks in Lansing Township, the City of Lansing, Muskegon County, and Wyandotte. Together […]

Next Tuesday, voters in 65 counties across Michigan will head to the polls. This will be the first election where the changes under Proposal 3 of 2018 will be in effect. For the first time, voters in Michigan can utilize no-reason absentee voting and early voting. Mailed-in applications must be received by 5 p.m. on […]

Electoral votes would be awarded by congressional district, instead of the current winner-take-all system, under legislation introduced by Representative Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain). Under the proposal, each political party would continue to choose candidates for presidential electors during its state convention. One presidential elector would be chosen from each congressional district, and two electors at […]

In order to keep Michigan residents up-to-date on the new redistricting commission, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson launched a website portal to provide citizens with information and resources. The web page provides resources, including answering to frequently asked questions, a guide for citizens and a timeline for implementation. Additionally, registered voters interested in serving on […]

Given the rising threat of cyber-attacks, and to ensure the security of elections in Michigan, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the creation of an Election Security Commission. It will bring together 18 local and national experts on cybersecurity and elections, with the goal of securing elections and protecting the integrity of every vote. Through […]