Leadership in Unprecedented Times

As election officials across the country have ensured the integrity of the 2020 general election, they have faced intense political pressure and threats on their and their family members’ lives. Through all of this, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has been a thoughtful and leading voice in the national conversation about ensuring secure and transparent elections that are safe for voters, election officials, and our collective democracy. Secretary Benson is an associate professor of law at Wayne State University Law School where she formerly served as dean. She is a native of Canonsburg, Pa.

Resources and Suggested Readings

• Secretary Benson says her proposed legislation would make election day a state holiday nbc25news.com, February 2021
• ‘Good will on both sides’ must stop domestic terrorism, says Gov. Whitmer mlive.com, January 2021
• Michigan Officials Faced Violent Threats well before U.S. Capitol bridgemi.com, January 2021
• VIDEO: Secretary Benson continues to work on bolstering election security wlns.com, January 2021
• Armed Protesters Flock to Michigan Official’s Home BBC.com, December 2020
• Michigan’s Secretary of State Addresses Trump Campaign Lawsuit GoodMorningAmerica.com, November 2020
• Interview: Election Certification Delay MSNBC.com, November 2020
• Articles regarding recent voting and election issues in Michigan The Associated Press News