State Rep. Jennifer Wortz on Wednesday announced her plan to require the Michigan Secretary of State to immediately resign if he or she chooses to run for another elected office.

House Bill 4819 would require the Secretary of State to resign upon filing for, being nominated to, or being appointed to any other elected or appointed public office. Wortz highlighted the need for impartiality in the position’s official duties as justifications for her legislation. As the state’s chief election officer, the Secretary of State oversees the administration of elections, including registration, ballot preparation, and the certification of results. The position requires ensuring that all elections are conducted fairly, transparently, securely, and in compliance with state and federal law.

“The person overseeing our elections shouldn’t also be able to have their name on the top of the ballot,” said Wortz, R-Quincy. “Allowing someone to simultaneously manage and participate in an election is like letting the fox guard the henhouse. There is just too much opportunity to unfairly influence outcomes.”

Wortz noted several examples from the tenure of current Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson that underscore the importance of having an impartial secretary of state to ensure fairness in Michigan elections. She highlighted incidents such as Benson announcing her campaign in a state building, election guidance being thrown out by courts, and her oversight of training for local clerks as potential conflicts of interest for someone seeking another office.

“I didn’t introduce this bill just because of Secretary Benson, but her actions underscore the importance of legislation like this,” Wortz said. “If she had to resign upon filing, she wouldn’t have made her announcement in her own office building, because it wouldn’t have been hers. If she had to resign, we wouldn’t have to worry about unfair election rules or guidance coming down from her office ahead of the election next year. I think everyone would sleep easier knowing there is zero chance of foul play.”

HB 4819 was referred to the House Committee on Election Integrity for consideration.

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