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Governor Whitmer Signs\u202fHistoric\u202fElection Bills\u202fPackage to Ensure Every Vote Can be Cast and Counted<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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DETROIT, Mich.<\/strong>\u202f\u2013\u00a0Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed\u202fa historic package of bills that will ensure every vote in Michigan can be cast and counted, no matter who you are or where you live. The new laws will improve election efficiency, increase voter registration opportunities, and protect equal access to the ballot box. The election package delivers on the promise the governor made in her What\u2019s Next Address to protect election workers and makes good on election reform proposals made in her Growing Michigan Together speech. \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u201cToday, we are expanding voting rights and strengthening our democracy,\u201d said\u202fGovernor Whitmer<\/strong>. \u201cMichiganders spoke clearly last year when they overwhelmingly passed Proposal 2, and now we are building on that effort. By banning deepfakes and AI in campaign advertisements, criminalizing violence towards election workers, and allowing souls to get to the polls, we are making our sure every Michigander\u2019s vote is cast and counted.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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“Voting is the first fundamental right, and we must work together to ensure everyone can make their voices heard at the ballot box,\u201d said\u202fLt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.<\/strong>\u202f\u201cLast year, I launched MI First Vote to deliver supportive, informed experiences for first-time voters. These bills will build on that work and empower more Michiganders to participate in our democracy. Governor Whitmer and I will keep standing tall for secure and fair elections in Michigan.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u201cThis is a great day for democracy and for the people of Michigan,\u201d said\u00a0Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson<\/strong>. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to the Governor and to our legislative partners doing the thoughtful, collaborative work to make our elections safer and more accessible for all citizens. With these new tools we are well-prepared to administer secure and fair elections in 2024 and to preserve the strength of Michigan\u2019s democratic process for future generations.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Election](\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/polehanki\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2023\/12\/ase9435_original.jpg\")
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Protecting Election Workers and Officials<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
House Bill 4129, sponsored by state Representative Kara Hope, guarantees protection under the law for Michiganders from the actions of intimidating an election official and preventing an election official from performing the official’s duties during an election and enforces a corresponding criminal penalty.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u00a0\u201cElections can\u2019t take place without the poll workers who do this often thankless temporary work out of a sense of civic duty,\u201d said\u00a0state Representative Kara Hope (D-Holt)<\/strong>. \u201cShamefully, threats of violence against election workers have increased and have caused many to leave the work altogether. Now, with these bills signed into law, the people who make sure our elections run smoothly will be able to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Senate Bill 505, sponsored state Senator Dayna Polehanki, would prescribe a maximum felony penalty of five years for individuals engaging in activity that would prevent or prohibit election workers from doing their jobs.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u201cOf the 13 known places in Michigan where election clerks were allegedly intimidated into providing access to voting equipment after the 2020 election \u2014 two were in my Senate district,\u201d said\u00a0state Senator Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia)<\/strong>. \u201cThis is why Rep. Hope and I passed legislation that would provide penalties for intimidating election officials or preventing them from performing their duties. With the Governor signing these bills, we now have important safeguards that protect our democracy.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Improving\u202fElection Efficiency<\/u><\/strong>\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
Senate Bill 385, sponsored by state Senator Erika Geiss, amends Michigan Election Law making it easier for Michiganders to participate in the Democratic process as an election inspector by allowing them to file an application online, which will also save counties, cities, and townships money on paperwork.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u201cThis legislation is necessary to expand access for those who wish to serve as a precinct election inspector,\u201d said\u00a0state Senator Erika Geiss (D-Taylor)<\/strong>. \u201cIn the digital age, it is reasonable to allow folks to apply electronically. Election inspectors play a vital role on Election Day as they are witnesses to its integrity and are on the front lines of protecting democracy. Removing barriers and increasing accessibility to this position will promote transparency and fairness on Election Day.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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“At the heart of our democracy is the essential right to vote. Today, with House Bills 4983 and 4695, we’re making it easier to exercise that right,\u201d said\u00a0state Representative Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing)<\/strong>. \u201cThese bills speak to our collective responsibility to uphold the democratic values that define us. Automatic voter registration means less hassle for anyone who\u2019s eligible, and letting young voices count without the risk of leaving would-be first-time voters behind. We also want to meet people where they\u2019re at, and early voting means greater flexibility and accessibility for all, meaning more people participating \u2014 and a stronger democracy because of it. It’s not just policy; it’s about ensuring our democracy remains fair, accessible, and secure. Let’s celebrate this moment when our state affirmed its commitment to be a government for the people, and to be a place where every voice matters.”\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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House Bill 4569, sponsored by state Representative Betsy Coffia, allows for preregistration of an applicant that is at least 16 years old but not older than 17 and a half, so that the Secretary of State can process their voter registration in that eligible election year.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u201cAllowing young people to pre-register to vote \u2014 particularly while they\u2019re learning about civics and the democratic process in school \u2014 will undoubtedly increase participation in our elections by ensuring when they are legally eligible to vote at 18, they will be all set to become a lifelong voter,\u201d said\u00a0State Representative Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City)<\/strong>. \u201cMichigan will join a growing list of states that allow voter pre-registration, and I\u2019m proud to see it signed into law.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Voter Registration<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
Senate Bill 594, sponsored by state Senator Jeremy Moss will expand voter registration options for citizens by allowing folks to register to vote using the last four digits of their social security number which is commonly used as a secure method in other areas of government.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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House Bills 4983, 4984, 4985, and 4986 further expands Michigan\u2019s automatic voter registration process. House Bill 4983 requires the Secretary of State to register any person who applies for a license or ID card who is eligible to register to vote and to send that applicant a notice of registration with an instruction on how to decline that registration. It gives the Secretary the power to designate a state agency as an automatic voter registration agency if that agency routinely collects information from individuals that would confirm their eligibility to register to vote. It also requires DHHS to transmit voter-eligibility information received from Medicaid applicants for purposes of registration, allows Indian nations and tribes to request approval to submit voter-eligibility information to the Secretary for purposes of registration, and requires the Secretary of State and Michigan Department of Corrections to coordinate to ensure eligible individuals are registered to vote when released from incarceration. House Bills 4984, 4985, and 4986 clarify the process for individuals who wish to decline their automatic registration. The bills will take effect June 30, 2025.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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“House Bill 4984 and the entire bill package marks a crucial step forward in eliminating roadblocks that hamstring the fundamental right of Americans to register to vote and take part in our democratic republic, said\u00a0state Representative Phil Skaggs<\/strong>. \u201cBy refining automatic registration procedures and empowering individuals to easily opt out if they choose, these bills exemplify a commitment to both accessibility and choice in our democratic process. These bills streamline the registration process and prioritize the safeguarding of voter information, maintaining the integrity of our electoral system and promoting a robust exercise of democratic rights for all eligible citizens. Such measures signify progress towards a more inclusive, accountable, and responsive voting infrastructure.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u201cThe cornerstone of democracy is the voice of the people, and today, with the signing of House Bill 4985 into law, we\u2019ve fortified this foundational principle,\u201d said\u00a0state Representative Emily Dievendorf<\/strong>\u00a0(D-Lansing). \u201cCitizens have the right to participate in our democracy, and this is the next step in ensuring voter accessibility and eliminating unnecessary obstacles. Today, we\u2019ve taken another step toward a more inclusive, secure and vibrant democracy that truly represents the will of the people.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\u201cMy bill is about making sure Michiganders have easier and more convenient ways to register to vote,\u201d\u00a0said state Representative Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti)<\/strong>, sponsor of HB 4986. \u201cThrough the Secretary of State, an application for an enhanced license or enhanced state ID card can automatically be used as a voter registration application. This package of bills will increase access to voter registration and Michiganders\u2019 participation in democracy.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Election Certification<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
Senate Bill 529,\u202fsponsored by state Senator Jeremy Moss, brings Michigan into compliance with the federal Electoral Count Reform Act by updating the election canvassing and certification process. It provides clear guidance on how and when the governor must issue a certificate of ascertainment containing the results of a presidential election, and it also protects eligible voters from having their ballots rejected because of mistakes made by election officials.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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