Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson testified recently before the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security on how to protect America’s democracy and ensure every vote counts this November.
“Between a global pandemic and what seems near constant and escalating rhetoric and misinformation, 2020 has brought historic pressures on our elections systems,” said Benson. “In Michigan our statewide primary has served as a blueprint for running safe, secure, accessible elections during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also highlighting critical needs that, if addressed, can put every state on a path towards successful November elections.”
During her testimony lasts Friday, Benson discussed the Aug. 4 statewide primary, where collaboration between local, state and federal officials, coupled with voter education efforts, resulted in a record-breaking turnout.
She said 2.5 million Michiganders participated, a record for an August election, with 1.6 million voting absentee, shattering the previous record for total absentee ballots cast.
Benson also spoke of the need for partnership and additional support from state and federal officials to replicate the same success in November.
She called on the Michigan Legislature to pass legislation that would provide clerks additional time to process absentee ballots ahead of Election Day, as 18 other states already allow, as well as bills that would ensure voters who cast absentee ballots are not disenfranchised.
Benson also urged the federal government to fully fund the postal service and to provide another round of funding to states to shore up election preparations.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/subscriptions
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
