Last Friday, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson made a powerful public statement on the recently introduced Michigan Election Security Act—a proposal that could significantly impact voter access across the state. Her message was clear: legislation marketed as “security” must not be allowed to become a weapon for disenfranchisement.

At Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC), we know that so-called “election security” laws often come with hidden costs—especially for voters navigating systemic barriers, including returning citizens, low-income residents, and people lacking stable housing or documentation. Secretary Benson’s leadership on this issue is a critical step toward safeguarding democracy for all Michiganders.

Secretary Benson Responds to Michigan Election Security Act
Secretary of State Press Statement
Benson denounces the bill’s potential to restrict access, highlighting how it would impose unnecessary burdens on eligible voters under the pretense of preventing fraud.
Read the article

Why This Matters
Proof-of-citizenship and voter ID measures disproportionately impact the very communities VAAC was created to uplift. We’re grateful to have state leaders like Secretary Benson who are willing to stand up for voting rights—and we’ll keep fighting alongside them to ensure Michigan moves forward, not backward.