Traverse City Clerk Benjamin Marentette has been appointed by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to a new state Election Modernization Team.

The team will develop a "proactive, innovative and comprehensive modernization plan for Michigan’s elections" and work to implement the changes to the state's constitution approved by Michigan voters in the November 2018 election, according to a city release. Those changes include automatic voter registration with Secretary of State transactions, same-day voter registration, absentee voting for all, straight-ticket voting, post-election audits for election integrity, and institutionalizing existing law by providing that military members and overseas voters receive an absentee ballot at least 45 days before the election.

The Michigan Election Modernization Team will also work with the Secretary of State and Michigan Bureau of Elections to propose solutions to outstanding challenges. The group is comprised of national experts in elections, election scholars, and a number of election officials in Michigan. "The team will specifically develop and assist in the implementation of changes to Michigan’s election laws to make it easier to vote and harder to cheat, increasing turnout, improving efficiencies, and cutting costs," according to the city release.

"It’s a dream to be able to help shape – for the better – how we ensure democracy in Michigan is open, fair, modern, and one in which it is easy to participate," Marentette says of the appointment. "I’m delighted to be able to work with our Secretary of State and others who have a deeply important responsibility to providing completely accessible and secure elections."