Republican Lawmakers Request Federal Oversight for Michigan Elections
In a move that highlights the ongoing political friction in Michigan, 22 Republican state legislators have formally requested the U.S. Department of Justice to oversee the state’s elections in the coming year. This request was articulated in a letter sent to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, emphasizing concerns over potential conflicts of interest.
The core of the lawmakers’ argument is centered around Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is expected to manage elections in which she is also a candidate. The letter, which can be accessed here, argues that this dual role presents “an inherent and unavoidable conflict of interest” and could jeopardize the integrity of election oversight.
Historically, secretaries of state in Michigan have participated in elections while on the ballot. For instance, Benson herself supervised an election during her previous campaign. Her predecessor, Ruth Johnson, who also endorsed the current letter, managed elections during her candidacies for both the secretary of state and the Michigan Senate.
Benson’s office has faced scrutiny from the GOP-led House Oversight Committee, leading to subpoenas and criticisms regarding her administration of elections and voter roll maintenance.
In response to these claims, Benson’s Chief Communications Officer, Angela Benander, defended the integrity of Michigan’s electoral process. She highlighted the state’s reliance on a bipartisan network of 1,600 local clerks and numerous election observers, including federal monitors. Benander criticized the lawmakers’ actions, stating, “Yet by pouring gasoline on our democracy and asking the DOJ to light a match, these lawmakers ignore these truths.”
The Department of Justice has not provided any comment on the request made by Michigan’s Republican lawmakers.
The upcoming election year in Michigan is expected to be highly significant, with critical positions such as governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and U.S. Senate up for grabs, alongside elections for the U.S. House and the entire state legislature.
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