House Oversight Committee subpoenas State Department for election training documents

The Michigan House Oversight Committee has authorized a subpoena for election training materials from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's office, marking the first subpoena since Republicans took control of the House. This decision follows months of frustration expressed by Rep. Rachelle Smit regarding denied requests for access to training materials for election workers. After initial requests were met with delays and high costs, Smit stated that the Secretary's lack of transparency left the committee with no alternative but to pursue a subpoena. The Secretary's office has provided some documents but withheld others due to concerns about sensitive security information. Democrats have criticized the subpoena as an overreach of authority, while Republicans argue it is necessary for accountability. The subpoena aims to ensure that election processes are transparent and that elected officials have access to essential training materials.