Flint Township View

Michigan Elections Director Sally Williams retiring Dec. 31


LANSING — Michigan Elections Director Sally Williams has announced her retirement after more than three decades of service to the Department of State, effective Dec. 31.

The position has been posted as the search to find her replacement begins. Williams will assist in that process.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson praised Williams’ contributions:

“I am tremendously grateful for the leadership and commitment Sally Williams has demonstrated throughout her entire 34 years of service to the Department of State, including most recently serving as the first woman to lead our Bureau of Elections. Her tireless work ethic and dedication to integrity are apparent in everything she does. All who have the opportunity to work with her are better for it.

As Michigan’s director of elections since 2017, Sally led the Bureau during several pivotal moments – in particular, implementing several constitutional changes to our election system over the last year. She oversaw upgrades to our voter registration database, the purchasing of new voting equipment, and initiated the state’s first risk-limiting audit pilots, guaranteeing that all Michigan voters have the security of paper ballots and confidence that their votes are accurately counted.

The election administration team she has trained and mentored at the Bureau of Elections is strong as a result of her example and commitment to excellence. I congratulate her on this well-earned milestone and look forward to working with her to ensure a smooth transition in the weeks and months ahead.”

Williams began as elections director in June 2017 upon the retirement of Chris Thomas, who had served in the position for 36 years. — G.G.