Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson made the following statement





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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Sept. 25, 2025

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

[email protected]

 






Secretary Benson statement on U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit seeking Michiganders' personal data

"Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson made the following statement after the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against Michigan and five other states that have acted in accordance with federal and state laws in their refusal to provide unredacted copies of their voter files, which include registered voters’ personally identifiable information:  "

 

“It’s important for every Michigander to understand what’s at stake here – the U.S. Justice Department is trying to get us to turn over the private, personal information of more than 8 million state residents. That includes people’s driver’s license numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personally identifiable information.

 

“I told them they can’t have it.

 

“I’m required to follow the law. State and federal law include strict privacy protections that keep people’s personal data confidential and keep everyone safe from identity theft.

 

“This kind of request is not normal. Why is this happening now? Why does the federal government want access to everyone’s personal information? I have asked them these questions. Other secretaries of state – both Democrats and Republicans – have also asked them these questions. They refuse to give us a straight answer.

 

“We gave the Justice Department exactly what they are legally entitled to – the public version of Michigan’s voter file.

 

“States can and must hold the line. Only state and local election officials – not the president, the DOJ, or any other federal agency – have the right to people’s private voter information. The people of Michigan have entrusted this department with their personal data, and I will stand up to this illegal and unconstitutional power grab.”

 

*READ:*

Michigan Department of State Sept. 2 letter to U.S. Department of Justice [ [link removed] ]

Michigan Department of State Sept. 9 letter to U.S. Department of Justice [ [link removed] ]  

 

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