Michigan Senate poised to pass radical bills that would eliminate voting options used by voters across Michigan

Read the full press release here.

MICHIGAN –  The Michigan Senate will vote today on three bills (SBs 285, 303, and 304) that would take away options utilized by registered voters in almost every county in the state, disenfranchising tens of thousands of Michigan citizens. In response, Shira Roza, voting rights manager with Promote the Vote, issued the following statement:

“Michigan has had a voter ID law for decades that includes an option for voters to sign an affidavit, under penalty of perjury, and vote. The radical voter ID bills that the Senate is poised to pass would take away options used by voters across the state in every election, disenfranchising tens of thousands of voters in each election and disproportionately impacting registered voters of color in Michigan. These bills would limit options for voters on Election Day and require absentee voters to jump through hoops. These bills are so extreme that more than 40 states have rejected such ideas.

“Michigan voters overwhelmingly support increased access to the ballot box. They made that clear in 2018 when they approved Prop 3 with 67 percent of the vote. Now, out-of-touch lawmakers in Lansing are attacking our right to vote with these far-reaching proposals aimed at interfering with registered voters making their voices heard at the ballot box. Our legislature should heed the will of the people and take steps to move Michigan forward, rather than making voting more difficult by eliminating secure options for registered voters. If passed by the Senate, SBs 285, 303, and 304 will serve only to take us backwards.”

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Promote the Vote is a coalition of partner organizations committed to ensuring that Michigan’s voting system works for all. These partner organizations share a rich history and deep investment in preserving and advancing the rights and protections of marginalized communities and Michigan voters.