Sen. Runestad expressed his concerns about Benson's actions, stating, “If Secretary Benson wants to be a lawmaker, she should run for the House or Senate. Until then, she should wait until bills become law before acting on them. The secretary of state is supposed to follow the state constitution, not bypass it to change election laws at will.”
Runestad’s concerns have garnered significant attention, resulting in the Republican National Committee (RNC) sending a stern letter to Benson. The letter, delivered on Wednesday, urges Benson to halt any attempts to circumvent the Legislature and state constitution.
Details of Senate Bill 603
The controversy centers around Senate Bill 603, passed along party lines in June. The bill introduces several contentious changes to election law, including a provision that prohibits boards of canvassers from investigating claims of fraud. Due to the lack of immediate effect, the bill will not become law until 90 days after the Legislature’s annual session ends, which typically occurs in December.
Despite the delayed implementation, Benson’s Department of State requested the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) in a letter dated July 31 to allow for the immediate approval of rules that would enact many of the bill's provisions before the upcoming November election.
Runestad’s Concerns and RNC’s Response
Runestad sharply criticized Benson’s move, arguing that it undermines the legislative process. “The secretary of state is trying to bypass the constitution to keep potential election fraud from being investigated by boards of canvassers in November,” he said. “If the Legislature wanted these changes in effect for the general election, we would have granted the bills immediate effect. We didn’t. Jocelyn Benson doesn’t get to implement laws whenever she pleases.”
The RNC echoed these sentiments in their letter, stating, “It is contrary to those settled principles — and Constitutional separation of powers — to use the administrative rulemaking process to implement a statutory framework before it becomes effective.” The letter emphasized the RNC's commitment to free and fair elections and the rule of law, expressing hope that the Bureau of Elections would adhere to these principles and refrain from enacting the proposed rules before SB 603’s effective date.
Implications and Next Steps
The clash over the timing of these election law changes underscores the ongoing partisan tensions surrounding election integrity and administration. Benson’s actions have prompted a broader debate about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches in Michigan’s government.
As the November general election approaches, the outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for how elections are conducted in the state. The situation remains dynamic, with potential legal and political battles on the horizon as both sides prepare for the critical election season.
For further updates and detailed analysis, stay tuned to our coverage as this story develops.
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