Amid growing tensions between state and federal authorities, Michigan’s Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, has taken a firm stance against a federal directive. Her refusal to comply with the U.S. Department of Justice’s request for Michigan voter data has sparked significant dialogue about privacy and the extent of federal oversight.
Michigan Rejects Federal Data Request
In a video statement released Friday, Benson articulated her opposition to the federal request, citing violations of privacy laws. “The United States Justice Department is trying to get me, Michigan’s chief election officer, to turn over your Social Security number, driver’s license number, and voting information,” she stated. “I told them they can’t have it.”
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Benson, demanding access to voter records that include sensitive information such as driver’s license numbers and partial Social Security numbers. The lawsuit claims that Michigan’s efforts to remove ineligible voters from its rolls are inadequate, with a 4.2% clearance rate as opposed to the national average of 9.1%.
State’s Commitment to Privacy
Despite the federal pressure, Benson has consistently refused to provide the requested documents, as indicated in her letters dated September 2 and September 9. She insists that the DOJ can fulfill its oversight duties using public records only. “The Department of State manages and maintains your driving and voting records in accordance with the law,” Benson assured. “Federal and state laws include strict privacy protections to keep this data confidential and to keep you safe from identity theft.”
This stance has found resonance with both Democratic and Republican secretaries of state across the country, who are similarly resisting the federal move to obtain voter records. The Justice Department has approached more than 30 states with requests for their voter rolls.
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