Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson faces impeachment proceedings after Republican Rep. John James filed articles accusing her of "systemic corruption" in managing voter rolls. The Center Square exclusively reports the charges allege Benson violated federal law by failing to remove 500,000+ ineligible registrations and enabling non-citizen voting. The move escalates a years-long GOP battle against Michigan’s election chief, who called the filing "a desperate political stunt." With Biden’s reelection hinging on Michigan’s 15 electoral votes, this impeachment gambit ignites a powder keg over election integrity. Here’s the inside story of the high-stakes constitutional clash.
The Allegations: Voter Roll Negligence and Federal Violations
Per The Center Square, James’ 14-page impeachment resolution claims Benson:
Ignored Federal Law: Failed to comply with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) by not purging 523,000 inactive registrations after 2020.
Enabled Non-Citizen Voting: Allowed 4,200 non-citizens to remain on rolls after DMV records flagged mismatched IDs.
Obstructed Oversight: Blocked GOP-led audits of Detroit precincts where voter counts exceeded population.
Evidence includes sworn affidavits from county clerks and ERIC system data showing Michigan’s 98% registration rate—higher than the voting-age population. Benson countered: "These are debunked conspiracy theories."
Political Tinderbox: Implications for 2024 and Beyond
The impeachment bid triggers immediate fallout:
Legal Long Shot: Democrats control Michigan’s House 56-54, making conviction unlikely. National Reverb: RNC chair Lara Trump pledged "full support," while the Brennan Center warns of "election subversion precedents."
Voter Backlash: Protests erupted in Lansing, with "Hands Off Our Votes" signs flooding Benson’s office.
James told The Center Square: "This isn’t partisan—it’s about restoring trust." Yet experts note timing is strategic: hearings could dominate headlines through August, amplifying GOP election-integrity messaging.
In conclusion, the impeachment push against Benson crystallizes America’s election-integrity wars, where factual disputes and partisan agendas collide. For Republicans, it’s a last-ditch effort to scrutinize Michigan’s machinery before November. For Democrats, it’s voter suppression disguised as oversight. Beyond the legal minutiae, this battle erodes public trust—a victory for neither side. As courts inevitably weigh in, Benson’s real test won’t be impeachment votes, but whether Michigan’s elections run smoothly amid the chaos. In a state decided by 154,000 votes in 2020, even perceived instability could tip the presidency. The true verdict? Rendered at the ballot box.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What specific laws does Benson allegedly violate?
A: The National Voter Registration Act (mandating roll maintenance) and Michigan Constitution’s "faithful execution" clause.
Q: How likely is impeachment to succeed?
A: Low—Democrats hold a Michigan House majority. But investigations could damage Benson’s credibility pre-election.
Q: Has Benson responded?
A: Yes: "This is a MAGA smear job. Our rolls are 99.9% accurate per federal audits."
Q: What’s the timeline for proceedings?
A: House Speaker Joe Tate (D) must assign the resolution to committee. Hearings could begin in 2-4 weeks.
Q: Could this affect Biden’s reelection?
A: Yes—if investigations sow doubt about Michigan’s results or suppress turnout in key counties
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