Secretary Benson releases firewall policy for 2026 election administration

Letter to Michigan Board of State Canvassers transparently outlines processes and procedures in place to maintain public confidence

LANSING, Mich. - Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today released a letter to the Michigan Board of State Canvassers outlining the policies and procedures of the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) and Bureau of Elections (BOE) to ensure a transparent, fair process that avoids any perceived or potential conflicts of interest arising from her dual role as Secretary and candidate for governor.

The letter followed a comprehensive, thorough review of all election administration policies, which began in December 2025 and was conducted in partnership with the nonpartisan Election Reformers Network (ERN). ERN worked with Utah lawmakers to pass legislation earlier this year requiring that state's chief election official to conduct a similar review.

"Michigan secretaries of state have a long history of simultaneously running for office while successfully administering Michigan's elections in partnership with the Board of State Canvassers," Secretary Benson said. "These processes largely reflect how the Bureau of Elections and I handled potential conflicts of interest during my reelection campaign in 2022. I share this letter with you now in the interest of transparency and to establish precedent of a public-facing firewall policy that other secretaries should adhere to and be held to. These processes are already implemented in our department and will be in effect until the board has completed its responsibilities regarding the November 2026 general election."

"While secretaries of state have an oversight role in election policy and administration, they are often structurally removed from the election process itself," said Kevin Johnson, co-founder and executive director of Election Reformers Network. "Still, some voters have questions about how a secretary can oversee an election in which they are on the ballot. To address this, the Election Reformers Network recommends that state election departments assess potential conflicts of interest for their secretaries, explain mitigation procedures already in place, and clarify plans for recusal and information firewalls where needed. We commend Secretary Benson, the Michigan Department of State, and election leaders in Utah who are implementing this emerging national best practice."

Michigan has one of the most decentralized election systems in the country, with over 1,600 county, city, and township clerks responsible for administering elections, purchasing and testing equipment, and hiring bipartisan poll workers. Under Michigan Election Law, the independent, bipartisan Board of State Canvassers has the sole authority to certify election results for statewide and federal offices, for legislative districts that cross county lines, and for most judicial offices. The board is also responsible for determining if candidate nominating petitions are sufficient to qualify for the ballot.

MDOS is activating an official firewall procedure which mirrors past practice. Under this firewall, the Secretary will formally recuse herself from procedures which could affect the gubernatorial race and will delegate those responsibilities to the director of elections. This includes the following procedures, some of which are already under the purview of the Board of State Canvassers:

• Review of candidates' affidavits of identity
• Petition review processing and filing with the Board of State Canvassers
• Submission of recount petitions to the Board of State Canvassers
• Post-election audits
• Declaratory rulings
• Michigan Campaign Finance Act complaint processing
• Exercise of supervisory control of a local election official

The Secretary will maintain her role as the state's chief elections officer and final decision maker on election policy. She will also continue to defend the state's voters against federal overreach seeking to disrupt state control of elections or illegally obtain voters' private data. As in past election years, she will continue her work to engage and inform eligible Michigan voters how they can make their voices heard in the 2026 elections.

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