Michigan’s Election Security at the Center of Legislative Subpoena Dispute
In a significant development concerning election oversight, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has requested restrictions on legislative subpoenas that demand election-related documents. Benson, addressing the GOP-led House Oversight Committee, emphasized that full compliance, without redacting sensitive information, would breach legal boundaries and threaten election security.
Represented by Assistant Attorney General Heather Meingast, Benson’s concerns were detailed in a 12-page letter. This document enumerates the legal and procedural challenges posed by the committee’s requests. The House Oversight Committee, having authorized these subpoenas in April, seeks extensive election materials.
Assistant Attorney General Meingast, emphasizing transparency, stated, “The Secretary of State firmly believes transparency in the administration of Michigan elections is vitally important.” However, she highlighted the principal issue of election security vulnerabilities, noting, “Releasing material that would reveal security feature information or other sensitive information, jeopardizes the process.”
The Oversight Committee’s action on behalf of the House Election Integrity Committee has also been criticized for potentially mismanaging sensitive data access. The letter warns of the impracticality of reviewing the extensive volume of requested material by the set deadline of May 13.
House Speaker Matt Hall, representing Richland Township, expressed dissatisfaction with Benson’s response in a recent press briefing. He remarked, “I think they just try to claim it’s something it’s not to help their position,” while focusing on the primary interest in acquiring “training manuals” for election workers.
Though reluctant to disclose specific future actions, Hall suggested the possibility of pursuing a court order to enforce the subpoenas if compliance is not achieved by the deadline. He stated, “We’re going to continue to get the information that we’ve asked for and they’re not providing it, and I think we’ll defeat them in court.”
As Benson pursues the Democratic nomination for governor, she remains confident in her legal standing should the matter advance to judicial proceedings. Her office anticipates overcoming any legal challenges to the subpoenas.
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