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Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson pushes back against legislative subpoenas, citing voter safety and systemic risks to Michigan election security.
Contempt Vote Sparks Firestorm Over Michigan Election Security Oversight Battle
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s top election official, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, is standing firm against a Republican-led legislative attempt to force the release of sensitive election training materials, calling the House Oversight Committee’s efforts both dangerous and politically motivated.
On May 22, House Resolution 117 passed on a party-line vote, holding Benson and the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) in contempt of the House. The move follows months of tension over subpoenas issued by the committee for full access to the department’s eLearning Portal, which contains training documents used to instruct local clerks on ballot handling, equipment security, and election day protocols.
Benson Cites Security Risks, Offers Mediation Instead
“I believe in oversight and transparency,” Benson stated in response, emphasizing that MDOS has already provided over 3,300 pages of documentation and multiple rounds of submissions to the legislature and the public through Michigan.gov/ElectionTransparency.
However, Benson warns that granting unredacted access to internal training systems could compromise ballots and Michigan election security. “This rhetoric, this cruelty, and this lying harms professional election officials who are simply trying to do their job and protect the security of our elections,” she said.
Instead of full compliance, MDOS has offered to continue redacting and releasing non-sensitive information on a rolling basis. The department also proposed that an independent third-party mediator review any disputed content.
Attorney General Weighs In, Calls Legislative Purpose Vague
Backing Benson’s position, Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office issued a detailed letter the same day to House Oversight’s attorney Michael Pattwell. It argued that the committee has failed to define a clear legislative purpose for its investigation—a legal requirement for any subpoena.
The AG’s letter noted that some requested files contain cybersecurity details, including the internal architecture of Michigan’s Qualified Voter File (QVF) and proprietary software systems from vendors such as Dominion Voting Systems, Hart InterCivic, and ES&S. Disclosure could violate existing state contracts and expose election systems to tampering.
Clerks Given Access Under Supervision, Lawmakers Not Bound
While members of the Oversight Committee, including Chair Jay DeBoyer and Rep. Smit, previously had access to the eLearning Portal as local clerks, Nessel’s office contends they no longer operate under the supervision required for such access.
“The Secretary has her own duty to safeguard election information where the need for its disclosure has not been established,” wrote Heather Meingast, Division Chief of the Civil Rights & Elections Division.
Oversight Committee Accused of Politicizing Routine Procedure
Benson described the contempt vote as political theater, criticizing what she called government rooted in “bullying and chaos.” The Oversight Committee, she said, refused multiple invitations to meet with MDOS representatives or engage in mediated discussions.
Meanwhile, the committee has empowered its chair with the unilateral authority to release information it receives, raising alarm among election security experts. “This directly conflicts with my duty to keep sensitive election security information out of the hands of bad actors,” Benson said.
Proposed Resolution: Mediation or Legal Battle
In a last effort to resolve the matter outside the courtroom, MDOS proposed selecting a neutral third-party to mediate what information may be safely disclosed. If talks fail, Benson confirmed the matter will move to court, where a judge will determine whether legislative interests outweigh election security obligations.
Michigan Election Security Connection: Stakes High in Key Swing State
With Michigan poised to play a critical role in the 2026 midterm elections, the integrity and management of its voting infrastructure remain under intense scrutiny. Election officials argue that the stakes include both public trust and operational security.
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