Michigan Secretary of State Launches New Tools to Enhance Election Security and Voter Engagement

Secretary Benson presented Arn Tellem, Detroit Pistons vice chairman, with a t-shirt featuring one of Michigan’s winning "I Voted" stickersPhoto byMichigan Secretary of State

Benson unveils grant funding, voter information tools, and a revamped Election Fact Center in a comprehensive effort to boost voter confidence.

Detroit, MI - In an effort to bolster election security and provide Michigan voters with reliable information, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced a series of initiatives ahead of the General Election.

Strengthening Election Security with New Funding and Tools

During a press conference at the Detroit Pistons Performance Center, Secretary Benson introduced several new resources aimed at enhancing voter confidence and safeguarding the integrity of the upcoming election. The key highlights include a $5 million grant for election security, a nonpartisan voter information texting tool, and an early voting awareness campaign.

“Today is a call to action for every eligible Michigan citizen,” Benson said. “With absentee voting beginning, we are entering a critical phase in this fall’s election season. My office, along with 1,600 bipartisan professional clerks across the state, is dedicated to making it easier to vote and harder to cheat.”

The $5 million in grant funding, made possible through the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), will assist local jurisdictions in enhancing physical security and bolstering cybersecurity measures. These funds, distributed by the Bureau of Elections based on recommendations from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), will be crucial for acquiring additional voting equipment and preparing for potential threats.

Innovative Tools to Inform and Empower Voters

In addition to security measures, Secretary Benson launched several voter engagement tools to ensure Michigan residents are well-informed and ready to participate in the election process.

MI Vote Info Texting Tool

One of the new tools is the MI Vote Info Texting Tool, designed to provide voters with essential information on demand. By texting “VOTE” to 833-868-3009, voters will receive a link to access details on topics such as:

• Requesting an absentee ballot
• Finding early voting sites
• Making a plan for Election Day
• Becoming a poll worker
• Accessing Vote411, a nonpartisan election guide by the League of Women Voters

This initiative aims to make voter information more accessible, especially for those who may face barriers in navigating traditional information channels.

Early Voting Awareness Campaign: "It’s Sooo Simple"

The Department of State has also launched the “It’s Sooo Simple” campaign to promote early voting options. Featuring a series of ads across social media, streaming platforms, and public spaces, the campaign aims to educate voters about the three convenient voting methods available: absentee voting, early in-person voting, and voting on Election Day.

The ads will prominently feature the state’s popular “I Voted” sticker, designed by Grosse Pointe student Jane Hynous. The werewolf-themed sticker gained widespread recognition and serves as a visual reminder of civic participation.

Reinvigorating the Election Fact Center to Combat Misinformation

To address the growing issue of misinformation, Benson has relaunched the Michigan Department of State’s Election Fact Center. The site, accessible at Michigan.gov/ElectionFacts, provides verified, nonpartisan answers to common questions and dispels false claims about the voting process. Voters can also report misinformation directly to the department at Misinformation@Michigan.gov, helping maintain a transparent and accurate flow of information.

“Combating misinformation is critical to preserving the integrity of our elections,” Benson stated. “The Election Fact Center is a resource for every voter to find the facts they need to make an informed decision and to debunk falsehoods that could undermine our democracy.”

Detroit Pistons Join the Effort to Boost Voter Engagement

Secretary Benson’s announcement took place at the Detroit Pistons Performance Center, where she met with the team, coaching staff, and employees to discuss the importance of civic engagement. The Pistons have committed to supporting voter turnout by encouraging fans and the community to participate in the electoral process.

“There is nothing more important than getting out to vote and encouraging everyone to have their voice heard,” said Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem. “We are all committed to working with the Secretary of State to do our best. We will vote and help others get out to vote and make sure their voices are heard.”

A Unified Push Towards a More Secure and Informed Election

As Michigan enters the final weeks before the General Election, these new initiatives by Secretary Benson represent a comprehensive effort to secure the voting process and empower every eligible resident to cast their ballot confidently. With absentee ballots now available and over 1.8 million requests already received, the stakes are high, and the message is clear: informed and engaged voters are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

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