On December 4, 2025, a significant ruling from the Michigan Court of Claims dealt a hefty blow to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s efforts to undermine safeguards for mail-in ballots. This decision reinforced the importance of maintaining election integrity, especially as Michigan grapples with ongoing concerns about the electoral process.
The court dismissed Benson’s controversial “guidance” that permitted absentee ballots with mismatched or missing identifying numbers to be processed and counted as “challenged.” Instead, the court upheld a law enacted by the state Legislature in 2024, which mandates that ballots can only be tabulated if the unique numbers on both the ballot stub and the envelope match perfectly. This ruling highlights the critical need for accountability in ballot processing.
Benson’s earlier actions were viewed as an attempt to sidestep these protective measures, potentially paving the way for irregularities. Her directives instructed clerks to overlook essential verification processes. Critics assert that these moves could facilitate fraud, eroding trust in the integrity of Michigan’s elections.
This courtroom loss adds to a troubling pattern for Benson, whose previous tenure has raised questions about her commitment to upholding election laws. In 2021, she was recognized with an award for her election efforts, which many believe contributed to a controversial outcome in the 2020 election that saw a late surge in votes favoring the Democratic candidate, a stark contrast to the previous results in 2016.
The lawsuit that led to this decisive ruling was brought forth by key state Republican officials, including the Republican National Committee and Clerk Cindy Berry from Chesterfield Township. They highlighted how Benson’s directives clashed with the legislative intent to prevent fraud and ensure that ballots remain traceable. This alignment among local officials and party leadership demonstrates a concerted effort to uphold crucial election standards.
Benson’s recent defiance in refusing a request from the Department of Justice to provide unredacted voter rolls further emphasizes her contentious position. She argued that her refusal was aimed at protecting the privacy of Michigan citizens, particularly concerning their Social Security numbers. Such claims have been met with skepticism, especially considering that the federal government is the very agency that issues these numbers.
As she sets her sights on a potential gubernatorial run, Benson’s repeated legal setbacks raise questions about her priorities. Many observers contend that she appears to prioritize political convenience over the lawful administration of elections, undermining the secure voting process that Michigan residents expect and deserve.
The ruling on December 4 marked a critical victory for those committed to preserving electoral integrity in Michigan. Thanks to the efforts of the Republican National Committee and dedicated local officials like Clerk Berry, essential safeguards that protect the integrity of each vote remain intact. This outcome serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in elections, reinforcing the need for strict adherence to laws designed to uphold democracy.
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