Jocelyn Benson Uncertain of Where Jocelyn Benson Stands on Critical Election Integrity Issue

September 9, 2021

Lansing, Mich., September 9, 2021 – As Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson speaks at a voting rights town hall this afternoon, she is again coming under fire for saying one thing and then doing another. Prior to becoming Secretary of State, Benson told the people of Michigan that signatures were the most secure way to ensure fair and secure elections. WATCH:

After she was elected Secretary of State, Benson changed course and unilaterally watered down the signature requirements. In the 2020 election, Benson instructed clerks to presume signatures were valid, a decision that was later ruled invalid. In a court order earlier this year, Judge Christopher Murray stated:

“The presumption is found nowhere in state law. The mandatory presumption goes beyond the realm of mere advice and direction, and instead is a substantive directive that adds to the pertinent signature-matching standards.”

Judge Murray’s ruling confirms that Benson acted outside her authority as Secretary of State. It also fomented more mistrust in Benson who, as the state’s chief elections officer, was already facing intense scrutiny for her handling of the 2020 election.

“Benson’s flip-flop on this issue is a slap in the face to Michigan residents concerned about the integrity of our elections,” said Eric Ventimiglia, Executive Director for Michigan Rising Action. Ventimiglia continued, “The people of Michigan are fed up with hearing the Secretary of State say one thing and then do another.