AG Nessel, Secretary Benson Respond to DOJ Primary Election Municipal Letters

LANSING – Secretary Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel issued statements in response to letters sent by the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division to three Michigan municipalities ahead of the August 2026 primary. The letters, which were sent to the cities of Detroit, East Lansing, and Lansing the last week of June, request various documents from each city predicated on baseless accusations and state the DOJ’s intention to deploy federal election monitors to various polling locations during the August primary election.

The DOJ made numerous unsubstantiated claims to justify their letter including false allegations of long lines, a lack of provisional ballots and concerns over Voter Accessible Terminals during the 2024 General Election. Federal election monitors are routine observers of the election process and must follow all local, county, and state laws. Neither the election monitoring nor federal observer program gives the DOJ authority to interfere with state or local administration of elections or to demand the production of documents or hands-on access to voting equipment or election materials.  

"The courts have been clear time and time again: states run elections, not the federal government,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Michigan law provides not only a variety of ways to vote, but also plenty of opportunities to get involved in the election process. Residents can witness the public logic and accuracy testing of our tabulators and volunteer on election day as poll workers or election inspectors. The law even provides parameters for federal and congressional poll monitors. We encourage everyone to participate and see for themselves how secure and fair our elections are – but make no mistake, my office stands ready to hold accountable those who attempt to unlawfully interfere with or intimidate Michigan election workers.”

"Michigan’s elections are transparent, accurate, accessible, and secure," said Secretary Benson. "And while the US Department of Justice continues to pursue baseless allegations to confuse voters about those facts, we welcome anyone who wants to - in compliance with the law - observe Michigan’s elections process.  When they do, they will see what we already know to be true - Michigan’s professional local clerks are committed to ensuring our elections are safe, accessible, and fair. Voters can trust that their vote is secure, and that clerks will count it according to the law. We will continue to make sure every eligible Michigan citizen can cast their ballot with confidence, free from interference and obstruction."

City officials from Detroit, East Lansing, and Lansing will respond to the DOJ independently. 

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