Insider Intelligence

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced Aghogho Edevbie is joining her administration on March 6 as deputy secretary of state. As deputy, he will lead the development and implementation of the administration’s election policy. Mr. Edevbie will also work on outreach and education through engagement with state and local elected officials, as well as supporting […]

This week, the Michigan Department of State and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson have been awarded a combined total of three national awards. Secretary of Benson was selected a recipient of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation’s 2022 Profile in Courage Award. The award is presented annually to “a public official (or officials) at the […]

In response to the backlog at Secretary of State branch offices, the Senate passed an extension to expiration dates of driver’s licenses and state identification cards. Branch offices have been overwhelmed and residents have been having difficulty scheduling appointments due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. These bills would retroactively extend expiration dates until […]

The Department of State recently completed a major technology upgrade, allowing more residents to access services online and at self-service stations. New online services include: Renew or replace an enhanced driver’s license or state ID if no new photo is required View the mailing status of the requested driver’s license or state ID Pre-apply for […]

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced her legislative agenda, named “From Worst to First,” which aims to increase government transparency. Michigan regularly ranks in the bottom nationwide in terms of transparency laws. Specific items within the agenda include: Expanding the Freedom of Information Act to apply to the governor and legislature Require personal financial disclosures […]

In a proposal titled, Advancing the Vote, Protecting Democracy, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has outline legislative measures the state can take to expand voter accessibility and further strengthen election security. The plan outlines a number of initiatives the legislature could take, including: Requiring absentee ballot applications be mailed to registered voters every federal election […]

The Department of State launched its Partners in Democracy web page to provide information on statewide and national organizations joining in the work of engaging voters within their communities. It also serves to provide information and resources for groups interested in voter engagement and turnout efforts ahead of November. The web page will provide information […]

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced this week that she will mail postcards informing voters of their right to vote from home in the November presidential election. She is also encouraging residents to do so by applying online or at their local election clerk’s office. The postcards will be mailed from the Michigan Bureau of […]