Michigan's Democratic Secretary of State hopeful wants stricter penalties for tampering with voting equipment.
Jocelyn Benson, who announced plans to improve Michigan’s election security today, says there is no evidence to suggest any state elections have been tampered with, but she says the threat is not to be taken lightly.
Benson laid out plans that include creating stricter penalties for tampering with election equipment and getting suggestions from national election security experts.
“Michigan’s next Secretary of State must be prepared, on day one as I am, to ensure that our elections are secured against all known and emerging threats,” she said.
Benson wants to make it a felony to mess with or alter any voting machines or ballots.
“I will work with our Attorney General and our prosecutors to ensure that we are holding everyone’s feet to the fire in enforcing these provisions,” Benson said.
Benson also plans post-election audits to increase accuracy in election results and to improve poll worker training.
Although Benson did not clarify what her initiative might cost, she says she is looking to use public-private partnerships so taxpayers won’t foot the entire bill.
