As Michigan prepares for a crucial election with significant implications for both the state and the country, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson visited the Detroit City Council on Tuesday to advocate for early voting and raise awareness about the importance of vigilance against potential deceptive tactics.
During the Detroit City Council’s final official meeting of the year, Benson encouraged officials to educate the public on early voting and how to discern misinformation, particularly in light of the growing use of artificial intelligence. Democratic candidate Benson, a proud resident of Detroit for twenty years, emphasized her dedication to protecting the voting rights of city residents as the critical election period draws near.
With three major elections on the horizon and the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, Benson expressed concerns about the proliferation of false information and unethical strategies targeting Detroit residents. She highlighted the need to address the impact of AI legislatively while cautioning against its misuse on social media platforms to propagate confusion and misinformation, especially through deep fakes and other deceptive means.
Benson’s proactive strategy involves establishing 10 Vote Confidence Committees across the state, with a specific focus on Detroit, in addition to a national voter confidence council. These committees will offer guidance to community leaders on early voting and combating misinformation starting in January.
The urgency of Benson’s visit was magnified by a recent federal appeals court ruling that limits private entities like the NAACP from filing lawsuits under a key provision of the national Voting Rights Act, potentially weakening the protections of the historic 1965 law. Drawing from her experience investigating hate crimes nationwide, Benson expressed disappointment in the court’s decision, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by individuals working to safeguard their voting rights.
Benson sounded the alarm on ongoing efforts in Michigan to deter and confuse voters, pointing to instances of misinformation aimed at manipulating Detroit voters regarding their voting rights and procedures. In response, she advocated for proactive measures such as early education initiatives and collaboration with local officials to ensure that voters are well-informed and prepared for the upcoming elections in February, August, and November.
Recalling past instances of misinformation targeting Detroit voters, including misleading robocalls during the 2020 election cycle, Benson stressed the importance of preemptive actions to combat voter confusion in future elections. Addressing concerns about accessibility for senior citizens, Benson reassured Councilwoman Mary Waters that Secretary of State offices are open for walk-ins and mentioned the deployment of a mobile unit to aid seniors with various services, including visits to senior centers and homeless shelters in Southeast Michigan.
