Ann Arbor Native Tabbed as Next Director of the Michigan Bureau of Elections

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LANSING – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has named Jonathan Brater  as the incoming Director of the Michigan Bureau of Elections.

Brater will begin Jan. 2, following the retirement of current director Sally Williams. Brater has worked alongside Williams for the past 11
months as he focused on elections while serving as the Department of
State’s Legal Policy Director. He previously served as counsel for the
Brennan Center’s Democracy Program, a non-partisan nonprofit, where
his work focused on modernizing elections in partnership with
secretaries of state around the country. A nationally recognized expert
on voter registration law and policy, he graduated cum laude from the
University of Michigan Law School, where he served as executive editor
of the Michigan Law Review.

“Throughout his career Jonathan has demonstrated his commitment to
secure, non-partisan election administration,” said Benson. “His
deep expertise of elections practice nationally and in Michigan will be
of tremendous benefit to the state.”

Williams also praised Brater: “Jonathan has worked with us tirelessly
to ensure Michigan’s elections are executed effectively and without
bias. He will have a great team of similarly dedicated employees, and I
know he will be an excellent elections director.”

Jonathan Brater, the incoming Director of the Michigan Bureau of Elections

Brater, an Ann Arbor native, was selected after an open application
process that began shortly after Williams announced her retirement
earlier this month. She will stay on through the end of the year to
ensure a smooth transition. Williams served as Director of Elections for
two years, succeeding Chris Thomas, who held the position for 36 years,
and currently chairs the Department of State’s Election Modernization
Advisory Committee.

“I feel fortunate for the opportunity to have worked with both Sally
and Chris, and humbled by the opportunity to continue their legacy,”
said Brater. “I have spent my career seeking to strengthen democracy
for all people, and I will continue that work for the people of
Michigan.”

*Media in this article courtesy of a press release from the Michigan Secretary of State Office*

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