The House Election Integrity Committee heard testimony on legislation setting up requirements for when the Secretary of State is running for office. While local clerks run elections in their jurisdiction, the Secretary of State is responsible for supervising elections in Michigan.
Key Points:
- House Bill 5968 was introduced by Representative Jennifer Wortz.
- Under the proposal, if the Secretary of State is running for any office other than reelection as the secretary, the deputy secretary of state would take over any responsibilities that are related to elections.
- This change would not include election audits.
Background:
- Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is running for Michigan Governor while in her current role as secretary.
- While she voluntarily put a firewall in place for this election, there is no requirement in state law for that to be done.
- Some have vocalized concern that this could become a conflict of interest if a future Secretary of State were in the same position but chose not to set up any firewalls within the department.
The bill remains before the committee awaiting further consideration.
