A coalition of Michigan Republican lawmakers is sounding alarms over the state’s electoral integrity. In a recent letter, they requested U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to send federal monitors for the upcoming 2026 primary and general elections due to concerns about Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s conduct. This group of 21 legislators raised issues surrounding what they describe as a blatant conflict of interest and a troubling history of election law violations.
Representative Rachelle Smit, one of the signatories, articulated the gravity of the situation: “This isn’t just a theoretical conflict of interest—it’s an actual, unavoidable one. No candidate should be allowed to administer their own election.” This statement captures the essence of their concern, indicating that Benson’s position creates an inherent bias in how elections are managed.
Earlier actions by Benson have added to these concerns. For instance, the Michigan State Police have been conducting a statewide investigation into allegations of mass voter registration fraud that Benson did not disclose to her clerks. This lack of transparency raises questions about her commitment to ensuring fair elections. According to Smit, “When election officials hide information from federal oversight, every Michigan voter should be asking: What are they trying to hide?”
The request for federal intervention also stems from Benson’s previous failures to cooperate with federal authorities. In September 2025, the Department of Justice sued her for not providing unredacted voter registration records. Legislators argue that such obstruction hints at deeper issues within her administration. State Senator Aric Nesbitt believes this pattern is dangerous, noting, “From giving licenses to illegals to her refusal to cooperate with the DOJ…Benson has demonstrated time and again that she will not separate her own political bias from her official duties.”
Critics are also highlighting the issue of deceased individuals remaining on voter rolls, claiming there are more than 25,000 deceased people currently included. This glaring oversight has prompted investigations and litigation that have reached as high as the U.S. Supreme Court. Furthermore, at least 16 confirmed noncitizens cast ballots in the 2024 general election, suggesting systemic failures in voter eligibility verification. “Her office downplayed this as ‘rare,’ but legislators argue it reveals systemic failures in citizenship verification,” the report emphasizes.
Benson’s tenure has been marked by a staggering number of election-related lawsuits, far surpassing those of previous secretaries of state. In a notable case, a judge ruled against her for mishandling absentee ballot counts, emphasizing the need for proper verification processes. This pattern of judicial rebukes shapes a narrative of failure that doesn’t bode well for confident governance. “Now that same person wants to run for governor while simultaneously controlling the elections. That’s not safe, honest, and secure elections—that’s a recipe for disaster,” cautioned Representative Steven Carra.
The legislators are not merely voicing dissatisfaction; they are also proposing a structured solution. They are requesting that federal personnel oversee various electoral processes, including polling places and absentee ballot handling. This oversight, they argue, is not just a political maneuver but a crucial step for safeguarding the voting rights of all citizens. As Representative Jay DeBoyer articulated, “This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting every Michigan voter’s right to a fair and transparent election.”
As the 2026 elections loom, the controversy surrounding Benson raises significant questions about the propriety of her continued leadership in the electoral process, especially as she prepares her own campaign for governor. Critics, including members of her party, are urging that impartial oversight is necessary to prevent any potential bias that could affect election outcomes. Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel dismissed the Republicans’ concerns as attempts to disrupt the electoral process, indicating that partisanship remains a contentious battleground in Michigan’s political landscape.
In a time when electoral integrity is paramount, the request for federal monitoring shines a spotlight on deeper systemic issues. The anticipated presence of federal monitors may offer a path to restoring public confidence in Michigan’s elections. As the situation develops, both sides will undoubtedly continue to navigate this fraught terrain, with implications reaching far beyond the immediate electoral cycle.
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