Jocelyn Benson

I think we've seen on every level a lot of evidence that this is a nationally coordinated effort whether it is to try to gain access to our voting machines, whether it is trying to run candidates who are spouting misinformation to become…

The fundamental rights and freedoms, indeed democracy itself in our state are literally on the ballot this fall.

Oh it`s a vindication for the law and for the people of Michigan and the hundreds of thousands of people who signed this petition wanting it to go on to the ballot. And it really also showed and sent a strong message to the Republican…

We don't want that presence. We don't want any efforts to potentially, even unintentionally intimidate voters from participating on Election Day, but we also need to be able to rapidly respond to any incidents that occur.

We will work with law enforcement to ensure quick action and above all, ensure voters have protected unfettered access to our elections, to their vote, and that our election officials similarly are protected as they do their work as well.

I'm concerned, Anderson, about violence, both on Election Day and real threats against our election workers, against our poll workers, against voters themselves.

Yes, absolutely. I mean, what we have seen really over the last several years is a complete evidence, ongoing evidence of coordination among really several States, not just Michigan and Georgia, but also Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin.

I think it underscores both the severity of the attempts to intervene with our elections, and also the coordination of it. The fact that this was not an isolated incident, and it occurred in many other States.

There is... a concern about the ongoing spread of misinformation, which of course, fuels the potential for additional threats, harassment and, and even violence on Election Day.

We will seek accountability and consequences for anyone who tries to interfere with a citizen's right to vote and democracy itself.

Democracy prevailed in 2020. There have been, in Michigan and in other states, no significant attempts, apart from the tragedy in our Capitol on January 6, to really see disruption of the polling places on Election Day itself.

We want to ensure that our lists are accurate, but that we're also not removing voters who are legitimately able to be registered and vote in Michigan.

There is a plan to deal with violence. Should I be afraid when I go to the polls?

If there are evidence of -- or questions based on evidence, rooted in evidence of any issues around our elections, then, yes, we welcome that, because the more transparency we have on the process, the more sunlight, the more people can…

We are in many ways even more prepared this year than ever before, than -- even than we were in 2020, to ensure that we are eliminating, mitigating or certainly protecting the system against any potential disruptions.

We have maintained and prioritized ensuring the accuracy of our voting list since I took office, including doing a mailing to every voter in the state...

It will give voters the opportunity to weigh in, their stake of protecting their own fundamental freedoms and rights, and our democracy this fall.

Once that goes forward, if it is on the ballot, then truly our fundamental rights and freedom is on the ballot this November in Michigan.

It says two things. One, we have to remember it’s a primary, not a general election. When the full electorate participates, I expect to see a rejection of the lies and conspiracy theories that have really been furthered just by one…

The 2020 election was a very secure election. It was an accurate election, and it was the highest turnout election in our state’s history.

There's two things happening right now. Some of us are feeling emboldened for this work, and what I saw in Michigan’s primary this week, where election workers stood firm and proudly in support of the truth, and the process, and the…

I hope so. I think that's part of what the truth and the granular details that the committee hearings are unveiling, is meant to accomplish. I mean, this was not a hypothetical idea. This was an actionable plan, to physically disrupt, the…

You're a threat to democracy! You're a threat to free and honest elections!

There is no evidence. We have full confidence in the results of our elections.

The fact that so many of us are being threatened with replacement by the exact opposite individuals who would put party first, over protecting our democracy is truly a five-alarm fire for the future of our elections and democracy.