Michigan Department of State says subpoenas for election training materials violate the law
In response to Michigan House Republicans issuing subpoenas for copies of election-related training materials, the Michigan Department of State is asking lawmakers to narrow their request in the interest of election security.
Members of the Republican-led House Oversight Committee issued subpoenas last month ordering Democrat Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to turn over educational and training documents used in preparing clerks and poll workers to oversee elections, which Benson’s office said Wednesday would be a violation of the law.
The subpoena is the latest maneuver in a months-long effort by House Republicans to obtain copies of training materials, beginning with Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-Martin) requesting them late last year, before she became chair of the House Election Integrity Committee.
“We’re not talking about state secrets here; these are just basic election training materials regularly provided to Michigan clerks,” Smit said last month in a statement. And given Benson has lost legal challenges to rules her office has set after court intervention, Smit said, it’s important to ensure those overseeing election processes around the state are getting accurate, up-to-date instruction.
https://michiganadvance.com/2025/05/08/michigan-department-of-state-says-subpoenas-for-election-training-materials-violate-the-law/