what are jocelyn benson's key policies for the 2026 election

Project Fab

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14-03-2025

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Jocelyn Benson's Key Policies for the 2026 Election: A Prospective Analysis

Jocelyn Benson, the current Secretary of State of Michigan, has not yet formally announced her candidacy for any office in the 2026 election. Therefore, a definitive list of her specific policy platforms for that election cycle is unavailable. However, based on her past actions, statements, and overall political trajectory, we can project potential key policy areas she might emphasize if she were to run for higher office. This analysis will focus on extrapolating her likely stances based on her established record. It is crucial to understand that this is a projection, not a definitive statement of her future platform.

1. Election Security and Access: This is arguably Benson's most prominent policy area. As Secretary of State, she has been a vocal advocate for secure and accessible elections. Her focus has been on combating disinformation, improving voter registration processes, expanding access to voting, and modernizing election infrastructure. If she were to run for a higher office in 2026, it's highly likely she would continue to champion these issues. Specific policy proposals might include:

• Expanding Automatic Voter Registration (AVR): Benson has been a strong supporter of AVR, which automatically registers eligible citizens to vote when they interact with state agencies like the DMV. She would likely push for broader implementation and improvements to AVR systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Modernizing Voting Equipment: Benson has overseen efforts to upgrade Michigan's voting machines and improve cybersecurity measures. In a future campaign, she could advocate for increased funding for state-of-the-art voting technology and enhanced cybersecurity training for election officials.
• Combating Election Misinformation: Given the rise of election denialism and misinformation, Benson would likely prioritize initiatives to combat these threats. This might include increased public education campaigns, collaboration with social media platforms to remove false information, and stronger penalties for individuals spreading disinformation about elections.
• Protecting Voter Rights: Benson's record demonstrates a commitment to protecting the right to vote for all eligible citizens. This could translate into policy proposals aimed at removing barriers to voting, such as expanding early voting options, ensuring accessible polling places, and simplifying the voter registration process.

2. Campaign Finance Reform: While not as explicitly prominent as election security, Benson's dedication to fair and transparent elections naturally extends to campaign finance reform. She is likely to support policies that increase transparency in campaign funding, limit the influence of large donors, and promote small-dollar donations. This could involve advocating for:

• Increased Disclosure Requirements: Benson might propose strengthening disclosure requirements for campaign contributions and expenditures to make it easier to track the flow of money in political campaigns.
• Public Financing of Elections: She could advocate for exploring options for public financing of elections to reduce reliance on private donations and level the playing field for candidates.
• Limits on Corporate and Lobbyist Spending: Benson is likely to support measures to limit the influence of corporate and lobbying interests in elections.

3. Civic Engagement and Education: Benson has consistently emphasized the importance of civic engagement and voter participation. In a future campaign, she might focus on policies that promote civic education and encourage greater participation in the democratic process. Potential policy initiatives could include:

• Strengthening Civics Education in Schools: Benson might advocate for improving civics education in schools to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in democracy.
• Expanding Opportunities for Voter Education: She could support increased funding for voter education programs to inform citizens about their rights and responsibilities as voters.
• Promoting Non-Partisan Voter Registration Drives: Benson might support initiatives to encourage voter registration through non-partisan efforts, ensuring equal access for all citizens regardless of their political affiliation.

4. Government Transparency and Accountability: As Secretary of State, Benson has emphasized the importance of government transparency and accountability. This commitment would likely translate into policy proposals aimed at improving government transparency and making government more responsive to the needs of its citizens. Potential policy initiatives could include:

• Open Data Initiatives: She might advocate for increasing the availability of government data to the public to promote transparency and accountability.
• Strengthening Ethics Regulations: Benson might support stronger ethics regulations for government officials to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption.
• Improving Access to Public Information: She could advocate for policies that make it easier for citizens to access public information and hold government officials accountable.

5. Potential Focus on Specific Issues Based on Michigan's Context: Given Benson's role as Michigan's Secretary of State, her policy platform would likely reflect the specific needs and challenges of the state. This might include policies addressing:

• Infrastructure Improvements: Given the importance of infrastructure for elections, she might advocate for improvements to election infrastructure across Michigan, addressing digital divides and ensuring reliable access to polling places.
• Economic Development and Job Creation: Connecting election security to broader economic stability might be a focus, ensuring that election processes support a functioning economy.
• Environmental Protection: Depending on the political landscape, environmental policies aligned with Michigan's needs could also become a part of her platform.

Conclusion:

While it's impossible to definitively state Jocelyn Benson's complete policy platform for the 2026 election without a formal announcement, her past actions and statements provide a strong indication of her likely priorities. Her emphasis on election security, voter access, campaign finance reform, civic engagement, and government transparency are likely to remain central themes. Her platform will likely also incorporate specific issues relevant to Michigan's context, reflecting her experience as Secretary of State. As the 2026 election cycle approaches, a clearer picture of her specific policy proposals will undoubtedly emerge. This analysis serves as a preliminary projection based on her established record and political ideology. It is imperative to consult official campaign materials for accurate and up-to-date information as her campaign progresses.