A spokesperson for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson called the lawsuit the latest attempt by the RNC to “spread distrust in Michigan’s secure and fair elections.”

The Michigan Republican Party, Michigan Township of Chesterfield clerk Cindy Berry, and the Republican National Committee filed suit against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Nov. 18 over an “unconstitutional and unlawful” violation of the state’s constitution.

After reading the legislators’ letter, it’s clear that the “federal oversight” being requested is limited to monitoring, not federal control of Michigan’s election system. A DOJ takeover of state or local election administration would be unlawful.

Ahead of the midterm elections, Republicans are attempting to strike down a decades-old Michigan law that allows the spouses and children of overseas Michigan voters to cast their ballots in the state, even if they have never lived there, as long as they are U.S. citizens.

This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Michigan’s free newsletter here. In a letter to U.

Nine months out from the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial primary, contenders for the Republican nomination are running like they have all the time in the world. You would be forgiven for thinking Michigan isn’t even holding an election for governor in 2026.

Michigan lets spouses and dependents of Michigan voters living overseas also vote absentee, even if they’ve never lived in Michigan themselves.

Republican legislators ask Attorney General Bondi for monitors, noting controversies involving Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Michigan Republicans requested the US Department of Justice for 'comprehensive oversight' of Michigan's 2026 election. What does that mean?

Michigan lawmakers are debating a bill that would require school board candidates to run with party labels, ending the state’s long nonpartisan tradition. Education groups warn the proposal could inject politics into local districts and limit who can serve.