SECRETARY OF STATE

Aquind Ltd is denied permission for a £1.2bn electricity link between Portsmouth and Normandy.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is holding a news conference Tuesday to discuss service improvements.

The Michigan Secretary of State is bringing back a throwback license plate.

The Michigan Secretary of State says it has lifted suspensions on more than 150,000 driver’s licenses as part of a new law that took effect last month.

The state of Michigan is now offering a non-binary option for state identification cards and driver’s licenses.

The state of Michigan is now offering a non-binary option for state identification cards and driver’s licenses.

Starting Nov. 10 there is going to be a non-binary option for Michigan’s driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Some in the LGBTQ+ community are very supportive of this change.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced on Tuesday that the state would begin offering a non-binary option for state identification cards and driver’s licenses.

Michigan’s Secretary of State spoke candidly about the push for new election laws just one day before Michigan voters head to the polls.

The Michigan Secretary of State is launching its first mobile office.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that any legitimacy or international support for the Taliban “will have to be earned” after Afghanistan’s new rulers announced an interim government that drew a deeply skeptical Western response.

When Michigan State Athletic Director Bill Beekman stepped down, it set off a firestorm of rumors and guesses about who would take his spot.

Michigan voters will soon be heading to the polls once again for the August primary election, and the secretary of state says the election is taking place as her office tries to fight the spread of misinformation.

The Michigan Supreme Court on Friday denied a petition to grant relief to the state’s redistricting panel, who expects to adopt new congressional and legislative maps months later than allowed by the constitution.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced some changes to help clear up a backlog caused by the COVID pandemic.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is looking to get through the backlog of residents seeking services at branch offices after the COVID-19 pandemic by extending hours and making it easier to renew driver's licenses and state IDs.

“The main purpose is to make sure that knowing what happened, why it happened, how it happened, we can put in place what’s necessary to prevent it from happening again or at least to mitigate the next outbreak,” Sec. Blinken told CBS on Sunday about the new inquiry

Michigan’s secretary of state offices are ramping up operations to help serve more residents over the next several months, according to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson held a news briefing Tuesday morning to announce updates to branch operations.

Workers at the election audit have been caught with blue or black pens, which can be used to alter ballots, Katie Hobbs said.

The US would prefer a more stable and predictable relationship with Russia, Antony Blinken tells the BBC.

Michigan residents who visit secretary of state offices will need an appointment even after the pandemic ends.

“We are witnessing state legislators acting as if their anti-American effort to take away citizens freedom to vote is somehow the right thing to do,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson declined to appear in front of the state’s Senate Oversight Committee on election matters, saying she feared the spread of misinformation.

The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) has undergone what it calls a “major technology upgrade” to its services system. Online services, self-service stations and the branch office appointment system are back as of 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 16 after going offline for a few days to prepare the upgrade. NOTE: The system has been struggling to work Tuesday, likely due to an influx of web traffic. Once system upgrades are ready (9 a.m. March 16), new online services at Michigan.gov/SOS will include:AdRenew or replace an enhanced driver’s license or state ID if no new photo is required -- You may renew your driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license online through You may renew your driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license online through e-Services if you are a U.S. citizen and your last renewal was completed at a Secretary of State office. View the status of the requested driver’s license or state IDRequest and obtain a driving recordAdd a motorcycle endorsement to an eligible driver’s licenseAccess streamlined business servicesThe SOS said in addition to the services already offered at self-service stations, new transactions will include:Renew a standard or enhanced driver’s license or state ID if no new photo is requiredRequest a replacement and print out a temporary license or IDAdd a motorcycle endorsement to an eligible driver’s licenseSign up on the state’s organ donor registryIf you have any questions, you can visit the Department of State website at Michigan.gov/SOS, call 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) or connect with us on our social media accounts.

The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) is about to undergo what it calls a “major technology upgrade” to its services system. This will force online services, self-service stations and the branch office appointment system to be unavailable from 5 p.m. Thursday, March 11, until 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 16. Once system upgrades are ready (9 a.m. March 16), new online services at Michigan.gov/SOS will include:AdRenew or replace an enhanced driver’s license or state ID if no new photo is requiredView the status of the requested driver’s license or state IDRequest and obtain a driving recordAdd a motorcycle endorsement to an eligible driver’s licenseAccess streamlined business servicesThe SOS said in addition to the services already offered at self-service stations, new transactions will include:Renew a standard or enhanced driver’s license or state ID if no new photo is requiredRequest a replacement and print out a temporary license or IDAdd a motorcycle endorsement to an eligible driver’s licenseSign up on the state’s organ donor registryIf you have any questions, you can visit the Department of State website at Michigan.gov/SOS, call 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) or connect with us on our social media accounts.

FILE - In this Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 photo provided by the Michigan Office of the Governor, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson addresses the state in Lansing, Mich., accompanied by Gov. Further, auditors found that 83 percent of the counting boards were balanced or explained, up from 27 percent at the close of the county canvass. In Sterling Heights, 71 percent were balanced or explained, compared to 58 percent at the end of the canvass. Further, the Sterling Heights audit was the first absentee ballot counting board ever audited in the state. Such errors are often corrected or explained in the county canvass, but time constraints make that more difficult, especially in high-population jurisdictions.

But the threats of those gathered weren’t actually aimed at me – or any other elected officials in this state. Their goal is to overturn and upend the results of an election that are clear and unequivocal, and that 5.5 million Michigan citizens participated in. And that job is simple: to defend and protect every Michigan voter, their choice, and their votes. I have spent my career defending and protecting the right to vote of every eligible citizen. I will continue as Michigan’s Secretary of State, proudly protecting and defending every voter and every vote.

Michigan’s Board of State Canvassers has voted to certify the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results. With all 83 counties having already voted to certify their results, the Board of State Canvassers had what was called a “ministerial” duty to certify the results at the state level. In fact, state law requires the Board of Canvassers to do such within 40 days after the election. The vote to certify Michigan’s election results officially awards the state’s 16 electoral votes to Joe Biden in the presidential election. Board member Norman D. Shinkle (R) abstained from voting after questioning the balance of votes in certain precincts, specifically in Detroit.

Michigan’s Board of State Canvassers has voted to certify the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results. With all 83 counties having already voted to certify their results, the Board of State Canvassers had what was called a “ministerial” duty to certify the results at the state level. In fact, state law requires the Board of Canvassers to do such within 40 days after the election. The vote to certify Michigan’s election results officially awards the state’s 16 electoral votes to Joe Biden in the presidential election. Board member Norman D. Shinkle (R) abstained from voting after questioning the balance of votes in certain precincts, specifically in Detroit.

The state of Michigan’s Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to vote on certifying the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results on Monday. With all 83 counties having already voted to certify their results, the Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to meet to canvass the November general election at 1 p.m. Monday. The board is expected to vote on certifying the results during this meeting. The meeting will be open to the public. Search here to find key Michigan race resultsFollow updates on Michigan’s certification here:

DETROIT – The Wayne County Board of Canvassers unanimously voted to certify the November election results Tuesday and asked the Michigan Secretary of State to conduct an audit of any Wayne County precincts with unexplained mismatching vote totals. The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has until Nov. 23 to certify the election. President Donald Trump tweeted repeatedly about the canvassers and called the two Republicans who voted against certification patriots. The Wayne County Ethics Board is looking into that complaint. This has nothing to do at all with where people live and the races they are.”The state board was expected to meet Wednesday, but that meeting has been postponed.

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LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson will hold a virtual press conference this morning at 11 a.m. to provide an update on the ballot counting process in Michigan. As of 9 a.m. today Joe Biden had taken a slight lead in the race against President Donald Trump. Battleground states that include Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Nevada are crucial to winning the White House race. Watch the live event in the video player aboveLatest on local and national races

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of State announced Wednesday it will be providing resources to educate Michiganders facing homelessness about their voting rights. The outreach includes an online toolkit curated to provide accurate information about homelessness and voting, a webinar hosted in partnership with the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness and voter registration drives at shelters. "Our work to provide resources and information to voters in this community will help ensure they can vote with confidence that their ballot will count.”A new toolkit will dispel misconceptions and provide accurate voting information and guidance for homeless individuals. The department joined with the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness to promote voter education and registration. As part of this partnership, MDOS will join the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness and Communities First, Inc. to host a webinar aimed at educating homelessness advocacy organizations in how to assist their clients with voter registration, early voting and getting to the polls on Election Day.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is urging absentee voters to hand-deliver ballots to their local election clerk’s office or ballot drop boxes. “Voters who already have their absentee ballot should hand-deliver it to their city or township election clerk’s office or ballot drop box. Citizens can register to vote at their local clerk’s office through Nov. 3, they need to bring proof of residency. Voters should click here to find their local clerk’s office, drop box locations or track their absentee ballot. As of Monday, more than 1.5 million Michigan citizens already cast absentee ballots and nearly 3 million had requested them.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson will host virtual press conference to discuss Election Day, share new absentee ballot request and return numbers, and answer elections-related questions from the press. Watch the live event at 10:30 a.m. in the video player above. The November General Election is just two weeks away. ClickOnDetroit has been here every step of the way in 2020, and you can count us for election coverage and results through the end of the year. We have a guide here for what to expect on election day itself: What to know before voting in General Election in Michigan on Nov. 3, 2020More: 14 days until November election: Here’s what to know in Michigan

Nearly one million voters have returned absentee ballots in Michigan for the November election, according to the Secretary of State. Election Day is three weeks away, but early voting has been underway in Michigan since Sept. 24. According to the Michigan Secretary of State, nearly 1 million citizens have already returned absentee ballots, and more than 2.8 million have requested them. “Michigan citizens can be confident that all valid absentee ballots will be counted,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Those ballots could have correctable errors and clerks are alerting voters of their options.

LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State offices will offer priority driver’s license and state ID appointments from Oct. 5 through Nov. 2. READ: Grace period ending for expired Michigan driver’s licensesThe appointments will be available from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are for Michigan residents who need to get a first-time license or ID, replace one because of loss, or correct one because of a name change. “These appointments will ensure customers get the new or replacement driver’s license or state ID they may need as soon as possible,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. Each individual must make a separate appointment to ensure enough time is allotted for service.

LANSING, Mich. – With a record number of ballots expected for the presidential election in November, the battle over how to count them is already underway in Lansing. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said it could take until Friday after the election to get all the ballots counted, and that’s because of when the counting is allowed to begin. Close to 3 million Michiganders are voting absentee, and a big in-person turnout is expected on Election Day. Unlike some other states, clerks in Michigan can’t start counting absentee ballots until Election Day. Judge Cynthia Stephens ordered that ballots postmarked by the day before Election Day be eligible to be counted if they’re received within 14 days after the election.

LANSING, Mich. – Time is running out for Michigan residents who have waited to renew their driver’s license or vehicle registration during the coronavirus pandemic. Anyone with an expiration date after March 1 were given a long grace period by the Legislature and Gov. But that period ends Wednesday and no extension is anticipated. “We have done everything we can to support Michiganders during this uncertain time and want to make sure they renew before the expiration extension ends," she said. To schedule an appointment, conduct a transaction online or find a self-service station, visit Michigan.gov/SOS.

Thursday is the first day Michigan residents can begin voting for the November general election, and this might be a good year to cast your vote early. Clerks have started to mail out absentee ballots, and a record number of people are expected to vote this fall. We’re 40 days away from Election Day, and starting now, Michiganders have the option to enter a clerk’s office and vote early. Fill out the absentee ballot and either drop it in the mail or hand deliver it to your clerk’s office. If you have any questions or concerns about the voting process, reach out to Help Me Hank at 313-298-9348, helpmehank@wdiv.com or on social media.

LANSING, Mich. – The 2020 Election is Nov. 3, but in Michigan you can cast your vote starting Thursday. Early and absentee voting is officially underway in Michigan. “We want you to wear your mask and bring your form of ID so you can cast your ballot,” Whitmer said. “Secretary Benson and Clerk Winfrey are working very closely to ensure that this election runs smoothly," Whitmer said. We want to ensure that Michigan voices get counted.”

We received this question a couple times through our callouts for election questions and concerns among Michigan voters. In Michigan, can you vote in person even if you applied for an absentee ballot? However, you must take the appropriate steps to return the absent voter ballot to your clerk. You must have your absent voter ballot spoiled before you will be able to vote in person. Here’s what the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office says:If a voter received an AV (absent voter) ballot and requests to spoil it and receive a new one:May request a new ballot be mailed until 2 p.m. on the Saturday prior to the electionMay request a new ballotin person until 4 p.m. on the Monday prior to the election*May vote in person on election day by completing Affidavit of Lost or Destroyed Absent Voter Ballot or by surrendering original ballotThe third bullet point would apply to the scenario where a voter has received an absent voter ballot but instead wishes to vote in person.

With just 42 days to go before the presidential election, the final push is underway to get voters to register in time. It’s all part of National Voter Registration Day, and in Michigan there have already been a record number of requests for absentee ballots. Local 4 Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester spoke with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson as she works to make sure every vote is counted. You can hear what Benson had to say in the video posted above.

LANSING, Mich. – In the weeks leading up to the election, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office is “planning for every contingency” including misinformation, legal fights and the potential for violent unrest. “If there is an effort for one candidate or another to declare victory on the night of the election. Under current state law, county clerks aren’t allowed to begin processing or counting ballots until election day. READ: Supreme Court fight could elevate Kamala Harris' profileThe Attorney General also warned of misinformation online, over the phone and potentially in person. She encouraged anyone who sees potential election misinformation to email the secretary of state’s office using misinformation@michigan.gov and visit the related website which has section on how to identify misinformation, an example and fact checks of reported misinformation.

Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson spoke Wednesday about how and when residents can vote. They also voiced big concerns about counting the record-breaking number of absentee ballots expected. Polls will still be open on election day despite the pandemic with significant precautions being taken. Some are worried that counting all the absentee ballots won’t get results quickly. The State Senate passed a measure allowing clerks to begin processing absentee ballots the day before the election.

While absent voter ballots provide a safe alternative to voting in person at the polls on Election Day, the process of counting absent voter ballots can determine how quickly, or not, final election results are announced. Processing absent voter ballots in MichiganThe process for counting absent voter ballots is different in each state. In Michigan, election workers are not allowed to begin processing absent voter ballots until 7 a.m. on Election Day. The previous record for absent voter ballots cast in a Michigan election was 1.3 million in the 2016 Presidential Election. Polling precincts will still be open for Michigan voters from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Michigan drivers would no longer need a hard copy of a vehicles registration or an annual sticker on license plates under pending legislation. The bill's sponsor testified in a state House Transportation Committee this past week that the change would shorten lines at secretary of state branches and save the state money. The Department of State estimates in the bills analysis that the state could save $500,000 by eliminating the physical requirements of registration. Michigan State Police legislative liaison Sgt. Department of State spokesman Matt Levin said the department opposes allowing financial institutions to provide secretary of state services.

DETROIT The Michigan Board of Canvassers is asking the Secretary of State to get more closely involved in Detroits next election. According to officials, 72 percent of Detroits absentee ballots werent re-countable based on irregularities in ballot handling. READ: Board of Canvassers: 72 percent of Detroit absentee precincts have inaccurate countsEarlier this month, there were a lot of new election workers. Start with that, and then get as many qualified people as you can and know what theyre doing for at least this Novembers election, Shinkle said. Wayne County Board of Canvassers member Jonathan Kinlock agrees with Shinkle and said a lot needs to change with the citys election department.

Tlaibs spoke in response to the recent statement from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy about concerns of current conditions inside post offices nationwide and worries about mail in ballots. DeJoy released a statement stating, The postal service is ready today to handle whatever volume of election mail it receives this fall.But the changes were already made. We stand before the United States Postal Service to say, heroes work here and we have your back, said Rep. Haley Stevens. People who work for the United States Postal Service have come to work, have put themselves at risk, in order to meet the commitment, said Rep. Dan Kildee. Several voters are concerned that the ballots wont be counted but Benson said theyre working to make sure that wont happen.

LANSING, Mich. As election results for Primary Day Tuesday slowly come in through the night and into the next day, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said she is already preparing for the November general election. About 1.6 million people submitted their absentee ballots out of 2 million who requested a ballot for the primary election, Benson said, which could delay the final unofficial results to mid-day Wednesday. Benson said roughly 46,000 absentee ballots were rejected in Marchs primary election because they arrived after the election date. Benson said Tuesdays election also showed her that the state will need to further prepare more people to work on election day. Benson addressed an incident in Detroit where election workers were not present at 7 a.m. to open the polling location.

LANSING, Mich. – The 2020 Michigan Primary Election is Aug. 4 -- and it’ll look very different from past elections. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson will provide an update on what to expect for the Primary Election next week during a press conference on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Benson is advising voters with absentee ballots to mail them immediately or drop them off at their local drop box or clerk’s office as soon as possible. A list of ballot drop boxes is available online. “Voters should get their absentee ballots returned as quickly as possible,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

LANSING, Mich. The Michigan Department of State has finished reviewing and processing the 9,367 completed and notarized applications submitted to serve on Michigans first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, with more than 2,000 applications processed within the last two weeks. On Wednesday an independent accounting firm will conduct the random drawing of the 200 semi-finalists for the commission. Wednesdays random drawing will narrow the more than 9,000 applications down to 200 semi-finalists whose applications will be posted online. The final selection for the 13 commissioners 4 Republicans, 4 Democrats and 5 unaffiliated will take place in August. For a detailed breakdown of the final applicant pool, visit RedistrictingMichigan.org.

Michigan Secretary of State offices will reopen on Monday, June 1, by appointment only and for only essential needs that cannot be handled online. While the offices were closed to the public we conducted more than 3,000 emergency appointments for essential workers and planned and implemented protocols so that we could reopen in a way that ensures the safety of employees and all Michiganders, said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Branch doors will be locked, and each branch will have a greeter to let customers with appointments in at scheduled appointment times. To schedule an appointment visit Michigan.gov/SOS or call 888-SOS-MICH. Advance appointments can be made up to 180 days ahead of time. Same-day appointments become available 24 hours prior to the appointment time.