Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed eight bills on Tuesday that would make mail-in ballots and early voting legal.
Born out of Proposition 2, which voters approved in November 2022, the bipartisan bill would require early voting at least nine days before each statewide and federal election. according to Associated Press (AP Communications). Additionally, the law will establish a website where voters can track when they have received their ballots and correct errors on their ballots. Voters will be able to use U.S. passports, tribal photo ID, military ID cards and student ID cards to vote instead of driver’s licenses, the report said.
“Voting is the foundation of our system of governance,” Whitmer said of the signature. “Last November, Michigans overwhelmingly voted YES on Proposition 2, speaking with a clear and united voice as they expanded their voting rights. I am proud to sign a bipartisan bill that will ensure that the voice of the people is heard,” she added.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs bill to introduce early voting into Michigan law https://t.co/bVGuYlIK80
— Detroit News (@detroitnews) July 18, 2023
Before this law was enacted, voters in Michigan voted at their polling place on Election Day or used absentee ballots that were not counted until after Election Day. (Related: Vermont Republican governor signs bill to expand mail-in voting)
Dubbed “the biggest change in voting for a generation,” the new law will allow clerks to vote in person 29 days before elections. Additionally, clerks can provide a collaborative site where ballots can be filled out and entered into the tally machine before Election Day, The Detroit News reported. report.
In addition to in-person access for early voting, the new law requires each municipality to provide at least one secure drop-box for absentee ballots, or at least one drop-box for every 15,000 registered voters in areas with more registered voters, The Associated Press reports. report.
While some praised the new law, others criticized it, including House Republican Minority Leader Matt Hall, who said it would weaken election fairness in the state. “This unwanted review will undermine the election and create new fraud risks,” he said, according to The Detroit News.
