Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land

in 2002, land became michigan s 41st secretary of state, defeating melvin hollowell, detroit-based attorney, 55%-43% , took office on january 1, 2003. land , husband contributed more $1.9 million of own money in 2002 , 2006 secretary of state campaigns.

during land s tenure secretary of state, implemented plan expand online service options, improve services @ branch offices create shorter lines customers, , make use of more reliable election equipment. grand rapids press editorial board praised land technological transformation of state services. according michigan legislature, land implemented “other advancements, [which] include introduction of self-service stations easy license plate tab renewals , creation of online branch office locator provides customers office locations, hours, , services entering zip code, city or county . land championed effort implement more reliable voting machines,while installing magnetic barcode readers in branch offices speed transactions , ensure accuracy.

despite decreased budget work with, land successful in consolidating offices make them more efficient, yet through attrition no workers laid off, land carried out successful consolidation of branch offices in nonpartisan manner. terri lynn land refused take advantage of name being placed on signs @ branch offices, political advantage used previous secretaries of state, rather have secretary of state’s website address advertised online services increased.

secretary land led charge consolidate michigan’s elections, saved money, reduced confusion, , helped eliminate ‘stealth elections’. staying ahead of work required america vote act, land selected single style voting machine implemented statewide funding federal government. in 2005, land s office announced effort use america vote act reduce potential voter fraud removing names of voters had died, moved out of michigan, or changed names. new york times investigation found 33,000 people removed rolls, while land s office said 11,000 voters removed. american civil liberties union (aclu) took michigan court on removal of voter names. new york times pointed out “the problems not unique michigan, , states republican , democratic election officials had struggled interpret new federal laws, such america vote act.” in october 2008, federal judge ruled national voting rights act had been violated , 6 states, including michigan, ordered stop removing names voter rolls. spokesperson secretary of state’s office told detroit free press that, “if re eligible vote, able cast vote on election day . furthermore, land spearheaded several outreach initiatives increased voter participation, including touring university campuses offer registration opportunities, caused unprecedented voter turnout rates in 2004, 2006, , 2008.

in 2006, elected second term, defeating macomb county clerk carmella sabaugh 56%-42%. after serving 2 terms, maximum allowed in state, succeeded republican ruth johnson.