Michigan Lawmakers Debated Election Oversight Bill
State representatives reviewed a proposal to shift election duties when the secretary of state runs for office.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Elections
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Michigan lawmakers discussed legislation that would require the deputy secretary of state to handle election duties if the secretary of state is a candidate. The House Election Integrity Subcommittee hearing also addressed claims regarding the legal authority of state rule-making bodies.
Why it matters
The bill seeks to increase accountability by limiting the power of an official overseeing their own election campaign. Meanwhile, ongoing legal challenges regarding rule-making authority have raised concerns about the validity of procedures governing the upcoming state election.
Four rule sets are being challenged by an advocacy group as having been enacted without proper legal authority. Three of these contested sets are scheduled to remain in effect for the November 2026 election.
The players
Jennifer Wortz
She is a Michigan State Representative who serves as the sponsor of the proposed election oversight legislation.
Jocelyn Benson
She serves as the Michigan Secretary of State and has voluntarily stepped away from election duties for the current cycle.
Peer Integrity Michigan Elections
This is an advocacy group that has formally challenged the legal authority behind current state election rule sets.
Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules
This state agency is responsible for reviewing rules for departments and maintains that it possesses the required legal authority for its actions.
The details
The House Election Integrity Subcommittee hearing examined a bill introduced by State Representative Jennifer Wortz to transfer election oversight responsibilities to the deputy secretary of state during candidacy cycles. Additionally, Peer Integrity Michigan Elections alleged the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules lacks the authority to review election rule sets, a claim the department denies.
Timeline
In 2025, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced her candidacy for governor.
On September 22, 2026, the House Election Integrity Subcommittee held a hearing on oversight.
In November 2026, the contested rule sets will impact the state election.
Political Context
The proposed changes represent a direct legislative response to the Michigan Election Law, which currently lacks a mandatory transfer of oversight responsibilities. Opposition to the bill may focus on the practical necessity of such transfers given that officials can already choose to recuse themselves.
Residents should be aware that the legality of rules governing the November election is currently being contested by advocacy groups. If the bill advances and is enacted, it would fundamentally change the oversight structure of the Secretary of State office for future election cycles.
The takeaway
The ongoing debate highlights a growing tension between administrative efficiency and concerns over the concentration of power during election cycles. Voters should continue to monitor updates on whether these contested rule sets are upheld before casting their ballots in November.
Further reading
Find more updates on state administration at Michigan Elections.
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Should election officials be barred from overseeing their own campaigns?
