Michigan Secretary of State Denies GOP Request for Poll Worker Information
The Michigan Secretary of State’s office has recently turned down a request from the Republican Party seeking personal details of individuals who volunteer as election poll workers. This decision has sparked a debate on privacy versus transparency in election processes.
In a letter dated July 31, the office explained that providing such information would lead to an “unwarranted invasion of privacy,” as outlined in the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. The Republican Party had requested data such as home addresses, phone numbers, birthdates, and medical or disability status of the volunteers.
The volunteers, who sign up through the Michigan Democracy MVP program, agreed to have their names shared only with local authorities, not with the general public. The letter stated, “Shielding their identity is essential to protecting the person’s privacy and preventing an unwarranted invasion of privacy and/or threats to election workers’ physical safety/security. Furthermore, revealing the identity of the applicant does not contribute significantly to the public’s understanding of the Department’s operations or activities.”
Further emphasizing the importance of privacy, the letter noted, “Public disclosure of an applicant’s sensitive personal information would discourage others from volunteering as election workers, thereby diminishing an important public resource. When volunteers provided their personal information, they did so with the understanding that it may be shared with jurisdictions looking for potential poll workers.”
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, also a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, underscored the importance of protecting election workers. “In Michigan, voters’ privacy is paramount,” she stated. “And as Michigan’s Secretary of State, I will protect the private information of Michigan citizens from misuse and abuse, including partisan attempts to target Michiganders based on their party affiliation and willingness to serve as poll workers.”
This decision aligns with Michigan’s previous stance of refusing to share voter roll information with the Trump administration, a position that was upheld in court.
In response, Republican National Committee spokesperson Ally Triolo defended their request, stating, “Public records laws are one of many ways the RNC fights to protect election integrity and ensure election officials follow the law.” Triolo added that such efforts aim to increase transparency and allow qualified Republicans to serve as election workers, thereby strengthening confidence in the electoral process.
The GOP may appeal the state’s decision to deny their request, though Triolo did not specify the RNC’s potential next steps, which could include pursuing legal action in a state court.
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