Secretary of State

Candidates were asked to summarize their backgrounds in 75 words and were allotted 75 words to answer each question. If the candidate did not reply by the required date for publication, the words, “Did not respond in time for publication” appear under the candidate’s name.

What are the most important functions of the office of Secretary of State?
What would you do to ensure accessibility to the polls and fairness for all Michigan voters?
What measures do you support or oppose regarding campaign finance reform?

Terri Lynn Land, Republican
In 2002, Terri Lynn Land was elected to serve as Michigan’s 41st Secretary of State. Since then, she has worked to make services more efficient and user-friendly. From offering expanded hours to instituting cutting-edge technology in branch offices, the department is providing services faster and easier than ever. Also under Land’s leadership, Michigan’s elections are now unified by one optical scan system. Other accomplishments include introducing new voting equipment for disabled voters and consolidating elections.

1. The Michigan Department of State touches more lives than any department in state government. It is my goal to ensure that every transaction takes place as efficiently and as easily as possible. Whether renewing a driver license, registering to vote for the first time, or registering a new vehicle, my mission as Secretary of State is to ensure that Michigan’s citizens are receiving the world class customer service they demand - and deserve.

2. I am proud of the work we’ve done in elections since taking office. With the help of local clerks, we have successfully implemented new federal standards for administering elections. Today, every polling location in Michigan is unified under one optical scan system, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, we recently introduced new equipment in every polling location designed to allow those with disabilities to vote private and independently for the first time in Michigan’s history.

3. The campaign finance process should be open and accountable. I propose sweeping to our current system, as I believe that contributions should be posted online before they are deposited or spent. I also advocate greater accountability, which can be achieved by granting audit authority and subpoena power to the Secretary of State. With real-time, on-line disclosure and greater accountability, voters will have more access to information. Visit www.terrilynnland.com for more information.

Carmella Sabaugh, Democrat
I am currently serving my fourth term as Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds. Our office has received several National Association of County Officials “Good Government Awards” for programs offering “outstanding service to taxpayers.” In 2006, I was honored in the U.S. Congressional record for “an innovative new partnership” to fight document fraud with the Social Security Administration. Previously, I served four years on the Warren City Council and eleven years as Warren City Clerk.

1. The Secretary of State are responsible for keeping records on vehicle ownership, driver’s licenses, business services, elections, notary and document certification and organ donations. All are important functions but elections stand out. The office must ensure fair election procedures and must encourage new voter registration and voter participation. Every elector must have a clear understanding of the function of voting machines and the issues on the ballot. Voter education must be a top priority.

2. The Secretary of State must ensure all voting equipment is working properly, especially the new “Automark” machines designed to assist disabled voters. If elected, I would serve as an impartial official, insist on election transparency, and provide voters with as much information as possible, including offering sample ballots at branch offices. I support same day voter registration and no reason absentee voting. I am opposed to requiring photo identification to vote.

3. I favor making public, candidates who do not file campaign reports on time. I initiated this policy in Macomb County as Clerk and it should be the policy of the Secretary of State. I also favor higher daily fines for candidates who are filing late reports. Candidates who do not file campaign finance reports must be prosecuted. The public has the right to information about campaign contributions and expenditures.

Lynn Meadows, Green
Lynn Meadows earned a B.A. and M.A, was a Manager and Independent Sales Representative who recently retired from the UM Hospital Gift Shop. She is an avid volunteer, is currently chair of the Tamarack Greens, co-secretary on the Steering Committee of Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice, and President of the Committee for Chelsea Parks. She was recently honored by the Gray Panthers as one of the top activists in Washtenaw County.

1. Administering elections may be the most critical part of the Secretary of State’s job at this time. The Help Americans Vote Act has introduced new voting machines that have caused some concern among voters about the authenticity of our voting process. Another important challenge is to provide efficient customer service for licensing and voter registration both online and at local SOS offices. Long lines and 2 hour waits are unacceptable.

2. Election day should be declared a Holiday, or be on a Saturday and/or Sunday. Another option is to make Absentee Ballots available to all voters or to “vote by mail” as is done in Oregon. Voter registration should be automatic on the 18th birthday of US born citizens on record with the SOS and for new citizens on the day they become naturalized.

3. The kind of public funding that has been instituted by Maine, Arizona and others would greatly improve our current system in Michigan where outrageous amounts of special-interest money are spent. Public office is intended to serve the people, not just big campaign contributors. Television and radio stations are to give “public service” in exchange for licensing. Each qualified candidate should be given an equal amount of air time and/or be provided opportunities for debates.