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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Nov. 1, 2023

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

(517) 643-7236

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Secretary Benson statement on House passage of legislation to improve election security in Michigan??

"Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today made the following statement regarding House passage of "House Bills 4129 [ [link removed](S(1t2y10tharsxhgjsxsm54yhh))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2023-HB-4129 ]and 4130 [ [link removed](S(1t2y10tharsxhgjsxsm54yhh))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=2023-HB-4130 ] strengthening penalties for threatening election workers and ""House Bills 5141 [ [link removed](S(1t2y10tharsxhgjsxsm54yhh))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2023-HB-5141 ], 5142 [ [link removed](S(1t2y10tharsxhgjsxsm54yhh))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=2023-HB-5142 ], 5143 [ [link removed](S(1t2y10tharsxhgjsxsm54yhh))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=2023-HB-5143 ], 5144 [ [link removed](S(1t2y10tharsxhgjsxsm54yhh))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=2023-HB-5144 ], and 5145 [ [link removed](S(1t2y10tharsxhgjsxsm54yhh))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=2023-HB-5145 ]regarding artificial intelligence in campaign or election-related communications"":?""

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?We must protect the people who protect democracy. I'm grateful to the Michigan House for passing bills that will establish critical protections for our elections, election workers, and voters around the state as we head into the 2024 presidential election. The Legislature's vote to strengthen penalties for those who threaten or harass election workers in particular will put us in a strong position to ensure the safety and security of election officials across our state.?

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?I'm also glad to see bills passed today that address the impact of artificial intelligence on our political discourse and election security. These new regulations establish necessary disclosure requirements for candidates or groups that use AI in their election communications and set criminal penalties for those who use AI to intentionally deceive Michigan voters about elections. I will continue to work with our partners at the state and federal level to make sure we do everything possible to protect voters from foreign or domestic attempts to utilize AI to interfere in our elections.??

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?I'm hopeful the Senate will similarly support these common-sense pro-democracy measures before adjourning for the year, and I look forward to working with law enforcement and election officials throughout the state to implement them in time for next year's presidential elections.??

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