Michigan House Speaker Pro Tempore and chair of the House Election Integrity Committee Rachelle Smit joined Josh Findlay, host of the Election Protection Project Podcast, for an in-depth conversation about election oversight, transparency, and preparation ahead of Michigan’s 2026 elections.
During the discussion, Speaker Pro Tempore Smit discusses the subpoena Michigan House Republicans sent to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in June for election clerk training materials, citing the need for transparency and accountability in how local clerks are trained to administer elections. Despite legislative oversight authority, these critical materials have not been released, raising concerns about potential gaps in election administration and the state’s readiness for the 2026 election.
1:12 – Getting into politics
2:40 – Smit’s experience as a township clerk and in elections
5:10 – Election to the Michigan House in 2022
6:49 – Lawsuit against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
9:45 – Election day training materials
10:35 – Secretary Benson’s response to Michigan Republicans’ subpoena
11:20 – Legislature’s role in setting election process rules
13:23 – Secretary Benson’s history of issuing guidance that may not comply with state law
16:15 – Legislative oversight of the Secretary of State
17:35 – Current status of the case
19:07 – Alternative ways to obtain materials and clerks highlighting training violations
21:15 – Preparing for the 2026 midterm elections
23:49 – How Michiganders and the public can help hold elections accountable