Secretary Benson Publishes Precedent-Setting Firewall Policy in Partnership with ERN

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has published a precedent-setting firewall policy to reduce potential conflicts of interest while she campaigns for governor. In announcing the move, Benson noted that the procedures were developed "in partnership with the nonpartisan Election Reformers Network," and were based ERN's "best practice and recommendations." 

The policy commits the Secretary to "recuse herself from all decisions and administrative tasks that may have a direct impact on the 2026 race for Michigan governor."

Secretaries of state overseeing their own elections happens frequently in the US—though not in other democracies, since only the U.S. elects its election officials. Usually no problems arise because secretaries are far enough removed from key election functions, though there have been some noteworthy exceptions. Until this year, no state had laws requiring conflict of interest prevention, and no secretary of state had established a comprehensive, public recusal policy. ERN has helped change that by supporting precedent-setting legislation recently in Utah, and partnering with the Michigan Department of State in support of their firewall policy.

ERN Executive Director Kevin Johnson praised Benson’s proactive approach and emphasized the importance of this emerging best practice:

“While secretaries of state have an oversight role in election policy and administration, they are often structurally removed from the election process itself. Still, some voters have questions about how a secretary can oversee an election in which they are on the ballot. To address this, the Election Reformers Network recommends that state election departments assess potential conflicts of interest for their secretaries, explain mitigation procedures already in place, and clarify plans for recusal and information firewalls where needed. We commend Secretary Benson, the Michigan Department of State, and election leaders in Utah who are implementing this emerging national best practice.”