Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson defended her administration's election integrity record during a September 6, 2026 interview, citing the prosecution of non-citizen voting cases as evidence that the system works. The comments came as national litigation over federal mail-in ballot rules continued to unfold in federal courts.

"I'm really proud that our elections have been ranked among the most secure and accessible in the nation. The fact that we have identified a handful of individuals who are ineligible to vote and we were able to hold them accountable, that shows that the system is working. And I'm proud of the work that our 1,500 local officials do every day to continue to ensure that every eligible vote and only eligible votes are counted in every election." Benson said.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged six people with election law violations out of 22 cases under review involving non-citizens voting in the 2024 general election. In 2026, an additional 22 cases have been referred concerning suspected non-citizen voting or adjacent conduct in elections spanning from 2009 to 2025.

On September 6, 2026, the Trump administration filed an appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the order preventing the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing new mail-in ballot requirements. This is the third time the Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to intervene in this matter. The Supreme Court has allowed the plan to move forward but has not ruled on its legality.

"We will use every tool in our toolbox. We'll follow the law. We'll protect the right to vote. And that's why, frankly, state officials who know how to do that, to stand up to the president, are so important right now," she said.

Why It Matters

The intersection of state-level election enforcement and federal litigation shows the ongoing debate over voting procedures. Benson's defense of Michigan's system comes as the state prepares for a gubernatorial election that will also determine the next Secretary of State. Democratic lieutenant governor Garlin Gilchrist and Republican Macomb County clerk Anthony Forlini are the nominees for Michigan Secretary of State in the 2026 election.

The outcome of the Supreme Court appeal could impact how mail-in ballots are processed nationwide. Meanwhile, Michigan continues to process referrals of suspected non-citizen voting cases, with six charges already filed out of dozens under review. The federal guidelines imposed in March 2026 remain subject to judicial interpretation as the legal challenge proceeds.

Timeline

In November 2024, Michigan lawmakers found that a handful of non-citizens voted in the 2024 general election. In March 2026, President Trump issued executive orders requiring the Postal Service to adhere to strict federal guidelines governing the design, transmission, and tracking of mail-in ballots.

On September 4, 2026, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani extended a ruling barring the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing new requirements for mail-in ballots. On September 6, 2026, Benson stated she was proud of Michigan's election security and accountability. Also on September 6, 2026, Benson said state officials must use every tool to protect the right to vote and stand up to the president.

What's New

It was also noted that Jocelyn Benson is term-limited and ineligible to seek a third term as Michigan Secretary of State.

Further background confirms that Jocelyn Benson is a Secretary of State of Michigan and academic. The Michigan Secretary is an elected office and department within the government of the State of Michigan. Records show that Jocelyn Benson served as dean of Wayne State University Law School from 2012 to 2016.