crossposted from unbossed
Were you part of the election protection team in 2004? Did you ever wonder how it was created?
Why, of course, was never a question after the horrors of the 2000 selection. And the voting irregularities brought to us by Diebold, among others.
Did you ever wonder who were the people behind the national effort to protect votes during that election?
And if you had the chance to vote for one of the organizers of the 2004 election protection program as your state's Secretary of State - the person charged with overseeing each state's elections - wouldn't you do so?
Well, if you are in Michigan you can.
You can find more about Jocelyn Benson and what she stands for on her facebook page.
Jocelyn Benson has dedicated her career to working for fair elections. As an election law expert, Benson fights to eliminate barriers to voting and preserve the integrity of our elections. As our Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson will promote access and accountability. She will advocate for a responsive government that serves all Michigan citizens.
Other tidbits about Benson:
- In 2004 was hired to help develop the first nationwide Election Protection program for the Democratic National Committee. Has since led several election protection efforts in Michigan and other states. - Serves as an appointed member of the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Election Law. As a member of the Committee Benson oversaw the development of the ABA's current policy on the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization of 2006. - Led a coalition of several groups to successfully block the closure of a Secretary of State branch office in Buena Vista Township, Michigan, convincing the U.S. Department of Justice that the closure of the office would violate the Voting Rights Act. - Testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee against the use of foreclosure lists to challenge voters on Election Day. - Created the Richard Austin Center on Election Law and Administration to work with local election administrators to improve the election process in Michigan. - Author of forthcoming book on best practices of Secretaries of State, entitled Democracy and the Secretary
Of course, that election won't take place until November. But you can make certain that person is on the ballot by contributing to her campaign now.
What are you waiting for?