Overview

In Michigan, there is a Bureau of Elections in the office of the Secretary of State. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.32(1). The Bureau of Elections is led by a Director, who is vested with the power of the Secretary of State with respect to the supervision and administration of election laws in the state. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.32(1). The Director assists local election officials with election-related administrative duties, conducts statewide instructional programs, and publishes election manuals. “Structure of Elections” at 7. The Director also selects precincts and contests for county- and state-level post-election audits. Audit Manual” at 3. In addition, the Director serves as a nonmember secretary of the State Board of Canvassers. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.32(1).

The current Director of the Bureau of Elections is Jonathan Brater, appointed by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in 2019. Brater.

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the Director of the Bureau of Elections are:

  1. Performing all duties related to the administration of election laws under the supervision of the Secretary of State. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.32(1).
  2. Assisting local election officials with administrative duties. “Structure of Elections” at 7.
  3. Conducting statewide instructional programs on elections. “Structure of Elections” at 7.
  4. Publishing election manuals. “Structure of Elections” at 7.
  5. Selecting precincts and contests for county- and state-level audits after an election. “Audit Manual” at 3*.*
  6. Serving as the nonmember secretary of the State Board of Canvassers. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.32(1).

Selection Information