Michigan’s Campaign Finance Website Faces Major Overhaul Issues

News Summary

Michigan’s new campaign finance disclosure website, developed by Tyler Technologies, is currently inoperable, causing transparency concerns as users struggle to access vital donor information. The failure to provide online access to campaign fundraising reports violates state laws and has drawn criticism from officials. The revamped site is expected to be fully functional by mid-2024, despite ongoing concerns regarding data migration and accessibility. Stakeholders hope for a resolution to restore public access to important campaign finance information amid ongoing corruption investigations.

Lansing, Michigan – A major overhaul of Michigan’s campaign finance disclosure website is rendering it inoperable, raising significant transparency concerns in the state. For weeks, the revamped website has failed to provide public access to crucial campaign fundraising reports, violating Michigan law that mandates such information be readily available online.

As of Wednesday, users attempting to access the Michigan Secretary of State’s disclosure website found they could not retrieve vital donor information or search reports by criteria such as donor name, employer, or contribution amount. This lack of access makes it challenging for the public to track significant donations and understand the influence of corporate executives on political figures.

The Michigan House Speaker has expressed his dissatisfaction with the new system, describing it as a “mess” and suggesting that the House Oversight Committee should investigate the matter. Similarly, a political consultant has criticized the site, labeling it “trash” and noting that it currently facilitates undisclosed contributions to political candidates.

The overhaul stems from an $8.8 million contract awarded in May 2023 to Tyler Technologies to develop a new, user-friendly disclosure platform. The previous site, constructed by NIC Inc., was acquired by Tyler Technologies in April 2021. The new contract emphasizes higher security standards and aims for greater governmental transparency, as well as additional features for lobby registrations and personal financial reports from lawmakers.

This project is part of the Michigan Transparency Network initiative, which has been described by officials from the Secretary of State’s office as a work in progress. They acknowledged that there have been challenges, particularly in transferring data from the former system to the new platform. The new site is expected to be fully operational by June or July, which coincides with a critical filing deadline for candidates set for July 25.

The Michigan Campaign Finance Act clearly states the requirement for the Secretary of State to implement a system that ensures accessible internet disclosure of campaign financial reports. Given that the system is incomplete, there are growing concerns regarding its impact on Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s projected 2026 gubernatorial campaign. Critics argue that the current situation contradicts Benson’s professed dedication to transparency and operational efficiency in government.

Prior to the transition, users had frequently raised complaints about the previous system, known as MERTS, which was often criticized for its lack of user-friendliness and the necessity for software downloads. With the former contracts having expired, the creation of a new web-based application became essential, with a significant amount of data needing to be migrated from the old system.

The disclosure issues are particularly disconcerting in light of ongoing corruption investigations in the state, adding pressure to the political climate. Currently, Michigan Democrats occupy a substantial number of state offices, which may influence public perceptions of governmental transparency and accountability.

Former Secretary of State and other officials have underscored the importance of rigorously testing systems prior to public deployment to avoid the current situation. As ongoing issues unfold with the new website, many residents and stakeholders hope for a swift resolution to restore access to crucial campaign finance information.

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