LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Since Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has refused to release election training materials to the House Election Integrity Committee, that same committee voted on Tuesday to issue a subpoena to her and her office.
The subpoena and “stonewalled” attempts.
Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-Martin), Chair of the House Election Integrity Committee, said Benson missed the April 14 deadline. In March, Smit told the Oversight Committee how the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) previously “stonewalled” attempts to access basic election training information provided to election clerks and stored on the Bureau of Elections (BOE) E-Learning Portal.
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“We’re not talking about state secrets here; these are just basic election training materials regularly provided to Michigan clerks,” said Smit. “Secretary Benson had five months and ample opportunities to be transparent and work with us to strengthen our election systems. She refused, leaving us with no choice but to issue a subpoena.”
Benson’s track record.
Smit said a thorough review of election training materials is crucial since Benson’s track record is littered with incidents of her handing down illegal guidance and rules to clerks. Michigan Courts have regularly struck down the rules issued by Benson because of clear violations of state law.
“If Secretary Benson disobeys the law in her public rulemaking authority, how do we know she isn’t handing down similarly flawed guidance in the training materials she provides to clerks?” Smit asked. “Legislators must review these materials and ensure election workers are receiving the most appropriate, up-to-date training guidance that’s developed directly in line with state law – not whatever portions of state law Secretary Benson decided fit her agenda this week.”
The news of the subpoena comes after Benson’s office recently released data showing 15 non-citizens voted in Michigan’s last election. Benson is running for governor of Michigan.
