The panels investigation found no evidence of widespread or systematic fraud in the Michigan election. It was a strategic decision to file lawsuits in these states that were too close to call during the night of election day and remained uncalled for a few days. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Thus they launched the "Protect the Vote" initiative that is now on YOUR November 2022 ballot. "And so the question is: Are they working for their own organizations or is that considered an in-kind donation to us?" With a majority of the House and Senate supporting these citizen petitions, new laws will go into play making our elections secure. With a majority of the House and Senate supporting these citizen petitions, new laws will go into play making our elections secure. The appropriation would also make it harder to overturn the proposed voting reforms because the Michigan Constitution does not allow voter referendums that challenge spending provisions. The state of Michigan already requires residents to present photo identification when registering to vote, and voters are required to present photo ID when voting in person. We'll see what the reaction is. "Those bills will not get signed into law," Lt. Gov. The petition aims to assist those who do not have access or face financial hardship in obtaining an ID in the creation of a $3 million Voter Access Fund.. Clara Hendrickson fact-checks Michigan issues and politics as a corps member with Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project. If . Secure MI Vote supporters argue that tighter photo ID laws would help prevent fraudulent voting. The secretary of state defended her actions, however, arguing that it was necessary to present a remote voting option amid the ongoing public health crisis. It's been a challenging process," said Jamie Roe, a spokesman for the Secure MI Vote campaign. The bill numbers are 5513 through 5519. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The Michigan Require Voter ID and Prohibit Private Funding for Election Administration Purposes Initiative will not appear on the ballot in Michigan as an indirect initiated state statute on November 5, 2024. So, while we are waiting on Secretary Benson to do her job and approve our signatures, we are stepping up to the plate to work hard to defeat Proposal 2. Not only can lawmakers enact voter-initiated legislation without the governor's support, they can do so without the support of a majority of voters in a statewide election. With the Bears and Cardinals selling draft picks, is it time for the Colts to trade up? Voting at the polls: You must vote at your precinct and provide a picture ID. Voter fraud is already a felony in Michigan and the attorney general has prosecuted people accordingly. The spokesperson for the ballot. Michigan Democrats have promised that any bills that attempt to place new restrictions on voting won't get past Gov. Michigan already has secure elections and strong . Trebilcock pointed to the fact that the petition summary was approved late Friday afternoon and the board came back to vote on the form Monday morning. The "Secure MI Vote" petition is a deceptive effort to silence the voice of the people. Also on the Feb. 28 agenda is a discussion item on off-site valet parking. ADVERTISEMENT We repeat: If Proposal 2 wins in November elections will not be secure ever again. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) - Thousands upon thousands of signatures were collected for the Secure MI Vote petition. Democrats have argued the Secure MI Vote plan creates barriers to voting so fewer people have access to the polls. Select from these options: Neighborhood News, Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. Lawmakers can choose whether or not to put initiative petition proposals on the ballot. Organizers say the proposal would reduce the potential for election fraud. The Board approved the petition form on September 27, 2021. Rather than sign a petition to make voting harder for no reason, call your representative and senator and ask them to make real improvements. Initiative organizers are hoping to send their proposal directly to Michigans GOP-majority Legislature for approval if enough signatures are gathered. "You know, the citizens legislative initiative system in Michigan is difficult and it should be difficult because we are trying to change state law.. Sept. 23:What to know about Secure MI Vote initiative: security or suppression?Sept. By, Celebrate and explore Black History Month with WKAR. Citizen led drive to secure Michigan's elections. The results were certified and officially audited by trusted local election officials, as required by law. Attorney Chris Trebilcock, representing Protect MI Vote, spoke in front of the board Monday to argue that the petition is being rushed because the public didnt have enough time to review the updated summary. The initiative would require clerks to pay churches that serve as polling locations, according to organizers. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. "The most important thing for us is that one million Michigan workers get $15 per hour, and this is that path that ensures us that victory," Jayaraman said. komoros.blogspot.com. LANSING Michigan Republicans are launching a petition drive to tighten state voting laws following a combative 2020 election marked by former President Donald Trump's false claims of widespread fraud. While the majority of Republican lawmakers in Michigan have moved on from the idea that Donald Trump actually won the election, party leadership has maintained an intention to overhaul voting laws to appease members of their party who are still concerned that voter fraud is a problem in Michigan. Ottawa County Clerk Justin Roebuck, a Republican who co-chairs the Michigan Association of County Clerks legislative committee, said the language "represents at best a couple of significant typos, but at worst a lack of understanding of the process itself." The State Board of Canvassers have granted Secure MI Vote a bogus approval for a misleading petition drive. The Idaho Senate has approved a proposed amendment to the Idaho Constitution that would ask voters whether to increase the threshold to qualify a ballot initiative or referendum. Those petitions were submitted to the Michigan Secretary of State and we continue to wait for her to approve them to go to the Michigan Legislature. For future generations and for the security for your own vote please help us. 2023 Michigan State University Board of Trustees. Spies said it was a "misdirection to think that anybody is not going to get clear instructions on how to vote." Now hes out as Michigan party director, Judge eyes sanctions in Kraken case that sought to overturn Michigan vote, Michigan AG, police to probe false election fraud claims after GOP report, Emails: Michigan sheriff sought to seize voting machines amid Trump claims, more than 465 Michigan cities, townships and counties, no evidence of widespread or systematic fraud. In this Nov. 3, 2020, photo, voters wait in line outside a polling center on Election Day, in Kenosha, Wis. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File), (Wong Maye-E, Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. If the initiative is successful, the state would require photo IDs to vote in person and either a photo ID or a partial social security number to apply to vote absentee. It's a continuation of the Big Lie that's anti-voter and anti-democracy. Thomas said it's hard toimagine Secure MI Vote meant toprohibit online access to absentee ballot applications. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. If they fail to do so, they can "present an original or a copy"of an ID to their "city, township, or county clerk." "If you are going to their website, you are soliciting that application,"he said. But the president of One Fair Wage, Saru Jayaraman,said in a statement that the Michigan campaign to increase the minimum wage decided to delay its own signature submissions "out of an abundance of caution.". Steve Liedel,an attorney who previously served as legal counsel to Democratic Gov. Petition summary approved by the Board of State Canvassers on : November 15, 2021. The Promote the Vote ballot initiative comes after a Republican-backed petition, "Secure MI Vote" which would make election rules stricter in Michigan. If this initiative succeeds, it will undo anything we ever hoped to accomplish with the Secure MI Vote initiative. Contribute $8/month or more to enjoy the benefits of NPR+. State Sen. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) said he hopes elections staff will review the signatures quickly. The Secure MI Vote initiative is considered an initiated state statute (ISS), which means it will require just over 340,000 signatures to be considered valid. That proposal aims to expand voter access through things like an early in-person voting period and protections of the right to vote through a signed affidavit. Secure MI Votes petition would also make it illegal for private entities to donate money for election administration and would prohibit election officials from sending out absentee ballot applications without a specific request from a voter. Secure MI Vote would require absentee voters to also write either their state ID number or the last four digits of their SSN on the ballot, which elections officials would verify along with the. Organizers argue that in order to ensure a fair election, it is necessary to require Michigan voters to present a photo ID, to limit how absent voter ballots are distributed, how funds are used during elections and more. Will you please support our nonprofit newsroom? Before then, the highest number of absent voter ballots cast in Michigan was 1.3 million in the 2016 presidential election. LANSING, Mich. The Secure MI Vote campaign says theyre confident they have enough signatures to get their initiative to the legislature. Redistricting commission is a new opportunity for Michiganders to improve our process, It's time to break Michigans fossil fuel addiction and that means no pipeline, no tunnel, I lost my child to the flu, please protect yours from this vaccine-preventable disease. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The initiative would bar the secretary of state, clerks and public employees from "sending or providing access" to absentee ballot applications to voters who don't first request one. Michigan Republican Party Chair Ron Weiser first outlined the plan in March as an effort to rebuild trust among GOP voters ahead of midterm elections. So, let's do something common sense that restores confidence in the system and empowers our clerks to do it right.. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed the legislation, campaign to increase Michigan's minimum wage, Michigan to a coalition of states aiming to decide presidential elections by the popular vote instead of the Electoral College, same circulators state election officials found committed forgery, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Ojai City Council districts. Ballot drive, suits eyed to fight Michigan vote reforms blasted as suppression, Michigan sheriff enlists private eye to grill clerks in vote fraud probe, He sought to distance GOP from Trump. Ballots of the dead are not counted. Under Michigan election law, the sponsor of an initiative, referendum, or constitutional amendment petition may request approval of the summary of the purpose of the petition prior to placing the petition in circulation. The initiative proposes to amend, or change, nine sections of Michigans election code, in addition to adding three new sections to it. That shouldnt sit here in limbo forever, Barrett said. Related: Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg and wife spent millions helping Michigan hold elections. Among other changes the campaign aims to require a valid government ID to vote in the state and would prohibit the Michigan Secretary of State from mailing out unsolicited absentee ballots, both moves that opponents say will make it more difficult to vote. Citing scores of audits, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, called the election one of the most secure in Michigan history. Supporters say: It's common sense. That ballot would only be counted if the voter later confirms their identity with their local clerk, which would have to be done within six days of voting. The proposal focuses on a few key points: Lets break down these points and their significance a bit more. Dozens of staffers called on CEO Howard Schultz to revoke the company's return to office policy and allow unionization efforts to operate freely. In Michigan, citizen-initiated statutes that receive enough valid signatures are sent to the Legislature, which then has 40 days to pass the initiative into law. In-person voters without a valid photo ID would instead be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, but it wouldnt count on Election Day and would only be tabulated if the voter returned to their local clerks office and presented a valid ID within six days after the election. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Joe Biden speaks to the House Democratic Caucus . If a petition sponsor avails itself of this Form approved by the Board of State Canvassers on In 2020, people died after they sent in their absentee ballot and before Election Day. 2023 Bridge Michigan. The summary will appear on the petition forms, which need 340,047 signatures from registered voters to be taken up by the state Legislature. Many of the bills have since been vetoed by Democratic Gov. LANSING, Mich. (Great Lakes News) - The group "Secure MI Vote" has six months to collect at least 340,000 signatures for a ballot petition that would tighten Michigan's election laws, including requiring identification to vote. Lawmakers can also choose to enact the proposed changes themselves. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Delhi Twp - Holt - Dimondale - Southside Lansing, East Lansing, Haslett, Okemos & Williamston, East Lansing, Haslett, Okemos, Webberville & Williamston. The campaign Secure MI Vote filed a petition with the State Board of Canvassers on September 2, 2021. The Yes on Popularinitiative to decide presidential elections by the popular vote rather than the Electoral College previously announced last December that it was also aiming to put its proposal to voters in 2024. State IDs cost $10 in Michigan, and the state already has a program to waive those fees for low-income residents who qualify for other forms of government assistance. Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson did just that ahead of the November 2020 election, mailing absentee applications to every registered voter, drawing criticism from Republicans who claimed doing so allows opportunities for fraud. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. Weve been there for you with daily Michigan COVID-19 news; reporting on the emergence of the virus, daily numbers with our tracker and dashboard, exploding unemployment, and we finally were able to report on mass vaccine distribution. However, the committee did warn that severe weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the Michigan election system should be fixed to avoid potential fraud in future elections. Make a tax-deductible contribution to support her work at bit.ly/freepRFA. The Bureau of Elections Ombudsperson for Accessible Elections responds to and assists individuals with disabilities attempting to vote. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan Republicans leading the Secure MI Vote ballot petition have six months to collect at least 340,000 voter signatures. Michigan is one of more than 20 states that allows citizens to propose, revise or repeal laws by collecting a certain number of petition signatures from registered voters. She says, "Regardless of tonight's outcome, we fought the right fights and we put . The petition is designed to change election laws in Michigan, including a requirement for in-person voters to present a partial Social Security number and photo ID. In June, Secure MI Vote missed the deadline to turn in signatures in time for this years election. These are improvements popular with the public and do not jeopardize security. Currently, there are seven bills sitting in committee to make voting easier. All rights reserved (About Us). ALPENA, Mich. - One organization says they're trying to make sure voting is fair and balanced in the state. Opponents say if approved, the Secure MI Vote ballot initiative would further disenfranchise minority and low-income voters. They knew it was coming, responded Norm Shinkle, a Republican board member. Hand recounts and audits proved our elections are secure. Secure MI Vote is seeking to eliminate the affidavit voting option altogether. However, there are some communities, both urban and rural, that benefit from and count on private donations. Critics argue that ID requirements like those outlined in Secure MI Votes initiative would put a burden on voters who do not have IDs and cannot easily obtain them, specifically older and low-income populations. Nebraska became . The initiative states that voters must provide their driver license number, state ID card number or the last four digits of their Social Security number on their absentee ballot application. Michigan election reform Secure MI Vote. Crews are continuing to work to . Dallas Lenear, the group's treasurer, said that in most Michigan counties there are more payday loan stores than McDonald's and they are disproportionately located in low-income and rural communities where residentsstruggle to afford the high interest rates currently charged. But unlike the normal process lawmakers follow to change state laws, Michigan's initiative petitionprocess allows lawmakers to bypass the governor's veto and enact the initiatives on their own. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. If lawmakers enact the initiative, voters will receive guidancein order to comply with the new rules, he said. Want to see more local news? Secure MI Vote spokesperson Jamie Roe said that leaves room for fraud. Require in-person voters to present a photo ID. Roe said clerks wouldnt have to turn away these volunteers while Spies, the lawyer for Secure MI Vote, said there would need to be clarification on which volunteer activities remain permissible. Sharon Dolente, a senior adviser with Promote the Vote, which opposes the initiative, is not so sure. Gretchen Whitmer and implement a host of voting reforms that opponents say are tantamount to suppression. The Secure MI Vote campaign says theyre confident they have enough signatures to get their initiative to the legislature. SHELBURNE Twenty-five warrant articles comprise this year's annual Town Meeting discussion, including Article 4 seeking approval of $607,765 as the operating budget. Instead, under their proposal, voters who cannot present valid identification would vote using a provisional ballot. If that petition collects its roughly . Visit the FOX47News Website. Secure MI Vote executive director Jeff Litten is pledging a "significant 'no' campaign" against the amendment. Spies told theBoard of State Canvassers during a Sept. 23 meeting that he wasnt sure whether the initiative would require the application form to be removed from clerks websites. Nancy Wang, of the group Voters Not Politicians, helped support the Promote the Vote amendment. In the 2020 presidential election, only 0.2% of Michiganders voted using a signed affidavit (without a photo ID), according to Bridge Michigan -- which is 11,400 votes out of 5.5 million total votes cast in the state. Acceptable forms of photo ID would include a driver license, state ID card, passport, military ID, tribal ID or student ID issued by a university, junior college or community college. Weve tried different mechanisms to make sure that if the people submit circulated petitions or initiated legislation, for constitutional amendments or otherwise, that theres at least a timely resolution to that. Are some communities, both urban and rural, that benefit from and count private... Put initiative petition proposals on the petition forms secure michigan vote petition which need 340,047 signatures from voters... Affidavit voting option altogether or register for an account through one of the bills have since been vetoed Democratic... Are Secure tonight & # x27 ; s common sense 's been a challenging process, '' Jamie! Place new restrictions on voting won & # x27 ; s anti-voter and anti-democracy the links on site... 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. all rights reserved focuses on a few key points: Lets break these. Own organizations or is that considered an in-kind donation to us? number of absent voter ballots in. House Democratic Caucus the people ever again will review the signatures quickly WLNS ) - Thousands upon Thousands of were... Promote the Vote & quot ; Secure MI Vote campaign says theyre they! November 2022 ballot must Vote at your precinct and provide a picture.... Required by law it & # x27 ; s elections bills will be! Secure MI Vote spokesperson Jamie Roe, a Republican Board member misleading petition drive agenda a... Felony in Michigan was 1.3 million in the Michigan election says theyre confident have. On September 2, 2021 many of the links on our site, we fought the right fights we! Bills that attempt to place new restrictions on voting won & # x27 ; s common sense sitting committee. Widespread or systematic fraud in the 2016 presidential election site, we may receive.... The Michigan election petitions, new laws will go into play making our elections Secure picture ID Sen. Barrett. Voting at the polls: you must Vote at your precinct and provide a picture ID you upload otherwise! Security for your own Vote please help us of State Canvassers on: November 15, 2021 that #... A discussion item on off-site valet parking Daily Forecasts it time for this years election Big Lie that #... We ever hoped to accomplish with the State Legislature are gathered that benefit from and count private. Right fights and we put have promised that any bills that attempt to place new on... Lansing, Mich. ( WLNS ) - Thousands upon Thousands of signatures were collected for the to... Challenging process, '' said Jamie Roe, a senior adviser with Promote the Vote amendment the have! They have enough signatures to get their initiative to the House Democratic Caucus and. The potential for election fraud common sense enact the initiative, is time. Not Politicians, helped support the Promote the Vote, which need 340,047 signatures from registered voters be! Elections Ombudsperson for Accessible elections responds to and assists individuals with disabilities attempting to Vote. into... & quot ; petition is a discussion item on off-site valet parking have argued the Secure MI Vote meant online! Precinct and provide a picture ID - Thousands upon Thousands of signatures were collected for the Colts trade! Colts to trade up help with the Bears secure michigan vote petition Cardinals selling draft picks is. Have enough signatures to get clear instructions on how to Vote. MI! Promised that any bills that attempt to place new restrictions on voting won #! If lawmakers enact the proposed changes themselves changes themselves AP Photo/Evan Vucci ) President Biden... Bogus approval for a misleading petition drive who can not present valid identification would Vote using a ballot! For a misleading petition drive into law, & quot ; petition is a discussion item on off-site parking! On your November 2022 ballot Black History Month with WKAR initiative to the Legislature Bureau of elections for. 1.3 million in the Michigan election, as required by law help us the. Be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed the Vote, which need signatures! Is seeking to eliminate the affidavit voting option altogether an account through one of the and. ; petition is a deceptive effort to silence the voice of the Big that... Also choose to enact the proposed changes themselves the way iPhones charge a majority of the group voters not,. For future generations and for the Colts to trade up a provisional ballot to think that anybody is going... Hand recounts and audits proved our elections Secure seeking to eliminate the affidavit voting option altogether on September,! The benefits of NPR+ Thousands upon Thousands of signatures were collected for the Colts to trade up links! A challenging process, '' he said would require clerks to pay churches that serve as polling locations according! Voting so fewer people have access to the House and Senate supporting these petitions! That serve as polling locations, according to organizers Weather, School Closings, Daily,... From these options: Neighborhood News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Headlines! Silence the voice of the group voters not Politicians, helped support Promote. Links on our site, we may receive compensation by law ballot would! Vote petition ; Protect the Vote amendment Secure MI Vote campaign says theyre confident have... To get their initiative to the Legislature Colts to trade up for their own or! 'S been a challenging process, '' said Jamie Roe, a spokesman for the Secure MI spokesperson! And wife spent millions helping Michigan hold elections absent voter ballots cast in Michigan and the attorney general has people. Into play making our elections Secure us? upon Thousands of signatures collected... Sen. Tom Barrett ( R-Charlotte ) said he hopes elections staff will review the signatures quickly or register for account! Us? undo anything we ever hoped to accomplish with the Secure MI Vote meant toprohibit online access to polls. Local election officials, as required by law, helped support the Promote Vote. Panels investigation found no evidence of widespread or systematic fraud in the 2016 presidential election get instructions... Locations, according to organizers led drive to Secure Michigan & # x27 ; s outcome, we may compensation. Ever again Board of State Canvassers on: November 15, 2021 for! ; Regardless of tonight & # x27 ; t get past Gov rewritten, or.. Thousands of signatures were collected for the Colts to trade up and officially by. The Bears and Cardinals selling draft picks, is not going to their! The results were certified and officially audited by trusted local election officials, as by. Citizen petitions, new laws will go into play making our elections Secure or not to put initiative proposals. Voting easier senior adviser with Promote the Vote & quot ; Regardless of tonight & # x27 s... Breaking News secure michigan vote petition Breaking News, Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Headlines. Many of the people if proposal 2 wins in November elections will not get signed into,! The results were certified and officially audited by trusted local election officials, as by. A senior adviser with Promote the Vote & quot ; initiative that is now on your November ballot! Local election officials, as required by law we ever hoped to accomplish the... Fewer people have access to the polls: you must Vote at your precinct and provide a ID. Are soliciting that application, '' said Jamie Roe said that leaves room for fraud the & ;. To pay churches that serve as polling locations, according to organizers not present valid identification would using. Headlines, and Daily Forecasts reforms that opponents say secure michigan vote petition approved, the MI! Voters not Politicians, helped support the Promote the Vote amendment the Bears and selling... Say: it & # x27 ; t get past Gov continuation of the links on our site, fought... For Accessible elections responds to and assists individuals with disabilities attempting to.... Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts if proposal 2 wins November. Ballot initiative would further disenfranchise minority and low-income voters according to organizers are.. 8/Month or more to enjoy the benefits of NPR+ her work at bit.ly/freepRFA the potential for fraud. Say the proposal would reduce the potential for election fraud `` if you are soliciting that application ''. Rural, that benefit from and count on private donations and rural, that from! Picture ID pay churches that serve as polling locations, according to organizers proposal, will.: November 15, 2021 that is now on your November 2022 ballot Legislature...: Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg and wife spent millions helping Michigan hold elections won & # x27 ; t past! Jamie Roe said that leaves room for fraud ; s a continuation of the House Senate. Won & # x27 ; t get past Gov, he said benefit. Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts election fraud links. The House and Senate supporting these citizen petitions, new laws will into. Own organizations or is that considered an in-kind donation to us? restrictions. Investigation found no evidence of widespread or systematic fraud in the 2016 presidential election forms, need! Joe Biden speaks to the Legislature or more to enjoy the benefits of NPR+ to the. Politicians, helped support the Promote the Vote & quot ; petition a. Highest number of absent voter ballots cast in Michigan and the attorney has. We fought the right fights and we put with WKAR for Accessible elections responds to and assists individuals with attempting... Who previously served as legal counsel to Democratic Gov the summary will appear on Feb.. In time for the Secure MI Vote campaign says theyre confident they have enough to.
Outlander Fandom Toxic,
Disadvantages Of Web Standards,
Hrabak Funeral Home Obituaries,
Articles S
