Insider Intelligence

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 […]

The results of a Risk-Limiting Audit pilot conducted on the March 10 presidential primary results suggested their accuracy and security and reinforced the state’s preparedness for elections in August and November. The pilot, in which 80 out of 83 counties participated, randomly sampled ballots from 277 jurisdictions across the state. The exercise, the largest of […]

Beginning June 1, Secretary of State offices across the state will reopen by appointment only for essential transactions not available online. All 131 branch offices will be open Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Strict health safety protocol will be followed, including wearing masks, using desk shields, and disinfection of shared or […]