LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan must turn over information related to its voter rolls to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
In a letter dated July 21, 2025, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael E. Gates asks Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for the “state’s procedures for complying with the statewide voter registration list maintenance provisions of the National Voter Registration Act” along with “voter verification requirements.”
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Additionally, the DOJ requests “a list of the election officials who are responsible for implementing Michigan’s general program of voter registration list maintenance from November 2022 through receipt of this letter.” That list must also include local election officials. Benson must turn over specifics of over voter registration efforts, including “a description of the steps that you have taken, and when those steps were taken.”
Michigan News Source reached out to Benson’s office but did not receive a response by press time.
The letter to Benson is the latest in a series of similar letters sent to several states requesting information on maintenance of voter rolls. Michigan voters approved a measure in 2022 that allows same day voter registration and no reason absentee voting. The state also automatically registers voters who apply for driver’s licenses.
In 2024, Michigan boasted a record-shattering 74.6% voter turnout. That made Michigan the third state in the nation for eligible voter turnout.
However, a fly in the ointment emerged. Benson’s office confirmed 15 non-citizens also voted in the last election.
Benson is no stranger to legal or legislative requests. For the past year, a Michigan House committee has repeatedly requested election training materials from Benson. She stalled for months, claiming the information is publicly available. When she turned over unnecessary documents in May, House leadership held her in contempt and introduced articles of impeachment. Benson has called for a mediator to intervene.
