Steve Liedel,an attorney who previously served as legal counsel to Democratic Gov. The initiative would also create a new "voter access fund" in state government and seed it with $3 million to provide free ID to voters who claim a hardship. Private organizations would not be able to donate money or in-kind contributions toward any activity or item related to an election. 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. The Michigan Board of Canvassers unanimously approved the form of the petition 3-0 at a meeting Monday. A more likely scenario: Any new voting laws approved through the initiative process would instead take effect in 2023 and be operative for the 2024 election, when Trump could again seek a second term. The proposed ballot measure is an indirect initiated state statute. Registration: You must prove citizenship, identity, and residency to register. There is no evidence the grants were used for political influence, but Trump supporters falsely alleged the funds were directed only to Democratic cities, a conspiracy fueled by the involvement of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who donated $400 million to the nonprofit. The petition was submitted by Secure MI Vote, a Republican-backed committee looking to add steps and security measures to voting procedures. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan Republicans leading the Secure MI Vote ballot petition have six months to collect at least 340,000 voter signatures. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Before then, the highest number of absent voter ballots cast in Michigan was 1.3 million in the 2016 presidential election. The language could arguably be interpreted as a blanket ban. 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. Contact her at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Will you please support our nonprofit newsroom? The campaign Secure MI Vote filed a petition with the State Board of Canvassers on September 2, 2021. The committee is seeking state approval for the form of its petition, the first step in a plan to bypass Democratic Gov. Thus they launched the Protect the Vote initiative that is now on YOUR November 2022 ballot. In addition to eliminating the option for those voting in-person to sign an affidavit if they dont have a photo ID and vote normally, the initiative would create a new ID rule for absentee voters. Pursuant to state law the Ojai City Council will take the second finalizing vote on amending the city's Reach Code ordinance that bans natural gas infrastructure in new construction. With the Bears and Cardinals selling draft picks, is it time for the Colts to trade up? Under Michigan election law, theBoard of State Canvassers must determinewhether the initiative obtained enough valid signatures. Ballots of the dead are not counted. Clerks wonder if the ban on in-kind contributions which applies to any election-related activitymight bar volunteer involvement in elections. Organizers propose that $3 million is allocated to that fund for the fiscal year ending in September of 2022. Voting absentee: If your application passes the eligibility tests, a ballot is sent to you. The panels investigation found no evidence of widespread or systematic fraud in the Michigan election. 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. If you fail any of the tests, you wont get a ballot until the problem is resolved. We'll see what the reaction is. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes bashed the new initiative, accusing Republicans of "creating barriers to voting so fewer people have access to the polls." "Once you tell people what's in it, they're going to vote 'no.' It's clear and. The Secure MI Vote initiative would prohibit private election funding, strengthen in-person ID rules, create a new $3 million "voter access fund . You can read the entire Secure MI Vote proposal below. My suggested improvements: You should be able to vote seven days before the election at your clerks office. Wisconsin Badgers (16-11, 8-9 Big Ten) at Michigan Wolverines (16-12, 10-7 Big Ten) Ann Arbor, Michigan; Sunday, 2 . Gretchen Whitmer has already rejected bills mirroring the proposed changes, but the initiative process allows lawmakers to enact the legislation without Whitmers signature or the approval of voters. LINCOLN, Neb. It makes no mention of presenting a copy of an ID or showing one to county clerks. The approval to get 340,047 signatures would ban election officials from mailing absentee ballots to every voter of Michigan unless requested. The board is next scheduled to meet June 23. Secure MI Vote is "turning in signatures not to qualify for the 2022 ballot because they have missed the deadline to do that but to put these measures to the state legislature to pass veto-proof legislation that will undermine our democracy, Wang said in a written statement. There has to be adequate notice given to the public and an opportunity to review things so that meaningful debate and objection can occur, Trebilcock said. I would reject the idea that this has been rushed.. Clara Hendrickson fact-checks Michigan issues and politics as a corps member with Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project. 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. I will have no part in any effort that grants an ounce of credence to this deception (the Big Lie), so injurious to our democracy, Whitmer wrote in a letter to legislators last month. 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. Meanwhile, two high-profile Republican-backed initiative petitionsvowed to continue collecting signatures and file their petition forms in the coming weeks in hopes that state election officials will review them quickly despite blowing past the deadline. "Its going to be what some judge thinks and what administrators think that it says. The Secure MI Vote initiative would add several measures that supporters call reforms to enhance ballot security, but foes say are naked attempts to make it harder to vote. Both can be done. You can learn more about Michigans initiative process here. Absent voter ballots allow residents to vote by mail ahead of Election Day. What about sponsors for rides to polls? Estimates indicate places of worship accounted for roughlya fifth of polling locations in 2020. Mar 1, 2023 Updated 1 hr ago. Were pretty hopeful and optimistic here that we can get this process moving quickly, and get these enacted into law, Roe said. Michigans Republican-led Senate proposed a more extensive and aggressive voting reform package in March, but the legislation was slowed by disagreements with the GOP-led House. The Secure MI Vote committee on Monday was expected to file proposed petition language with the Michigan Secretary of State that would make identification mandatory for in-person and absentee voting, prohibit absentee ballot application mass mailings and bar election funding by private groups. Why would anyone risk a felony charge for one vote? The "Promote the Vote 2022" ballot initiative would amend the state constitution to improve both security and access to the polls, including expanding early voting and allowing more time for military members to cast their ballots, voting rights leaders said at a Monday press conference. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. "Usually, people applaud when their local government gets grants to help offset some of the costs.". Require in-person voters to present a photo ID. (CNN) -- Michigan Republicans' effort to get around Gov. Thosewho don't comply with the new ruleswould receive a provisional ballot that wouldnt count unless the voter presents an ID in-person at their clerks office within six days after an election. Secure MI Vote, which recently began circulating petitions, does not have to submit its campaign finance statement until Nov. 2. Tuesday's election was a rebuke of Lightfoot, who made history as leader of the nation's third-largest city. We repeat: If Proposal 2 wins in November elections will not be secure ever again. The Secure MI Vote petition was initiated after dozens of Republican-backed, voter restriction bills were introduced in the Michigan Legislature. LANSING, Mich. The Secure MI Vote campaign says theyre confident they have enough signatures to get their initiative to the legislature. Initiative Petition . More than 400 such bills have been introduced in 49 states. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Michigan is one of two states with a constitutional provision that expressly prohibits the governor from vetoing resident-initiated legislation that is adopted by the Legislature instead. Secure MI Vote is seeking to eliminate the affidavit voting option altogether. 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. Rather than sign the SMV petition, Im urging everyone to support candidates who work to make voting easier and secure. I just dont feel that this petition is necessary, it actually hinders our voting instead of promoting voting, Bradshaw said in an interview after the meeting. Jeannette Bradshaw, the lone Democrat in attendance Monday, agreed with Trebilcocks concerns, saying it isnt fair to the public, being that meetings were held Friday afternoon and Monday morning. Prohibit outside corporate entities from funding Michigan elections. Those leading thepetition drive say it would also bar clerksfrom partnering with nongovernment groups to carry out election-related activities such as registration drives. We report because the news impacts all of us. 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. I would hope that the legislature would take immediate action particularly, please if we act with dispatch to get support from across the state.. Secure MI Vote would bar clerks from accepting donations from individuals or nongovernment entities. Gretchen Whitmer and implement a host of voting reforms that opponents say are tantamount to suppression. We really need to take our time to make sure that we are protecting the citizens of Michigans right to your state legislation, Bradshaw said. On July 29, 2022, Secure MI Vote submitted 514,294 signatures. That prevents people from voting in two places such as two homes and college students. For instance, afunction could be addedonline for voters torequest an application, he said. Eliminating and replacing the affidavit voting option; Preventing the mailing of unsolicited absent voter ballots and applications; Limiting how election funds are acquired and spent. Select from these options: Neighborhood News, Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. ALPENA, Mich. - One organization says they're trying to make sure voting is fair and balanced in the state. As a poll worker, I understand how the system prioritizes security and integrity. A poll bythe Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks found that itsmembers were "overwhelmingly"concerned about the initiative as its proposed, according toHarrison Township Clerk Adam Wit, a Republican, who sits on the group's legislative committee. 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. 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. Crews are continuing to work to . This petition basically restricts Michiganders right to vote. 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. Voting rights advocates argue tighter ID rules would amount to voter suppression and have a disproportionate impact on low-income and minority residents. The organization was the beneficiary of a $350 million donation from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan. Right now Michigan requires an ID or a signed affidavit that is compared to the voter's signature on file. The Trump campaign filed the most post-election lawsuits related to the 2020 United States presidential election in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Elections will be unsecure for decades to come if this Proposal passes. But those efforts were vetoed by Michigan Gov. 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. The governor cannot veto indirect initiatives that legislators approve. On December 28, 2022, the petition was withdrawn by Secure MI Vote. Getting it done by the end of the year is a very daunting hurdle, Roe acknowledged. Raise the Wage, an effortto increase Michigan's minimum wage to $15 by 2027, expressed similar concerns about the recent discovery of the alleged signature fraud scheme. It would also require absentee voters to provide either of these on absentee ballot applications. Clerks say the initiative also could subject voters to confusing ID rules riddled with contradictory requirements and force election officials to remove online access to absentee ballot applications and turn down help from volunteerswho carry out basictasks such as preparing absentee ballot mailings. Why arent they being worked on? There were still 35 election-related bills making their way through the legislature as of October. In 2020, people died after they sent in their absentee ballot and before Election Day. Secure MI Vote will have 180 days to collect the signatures. Secure MI Vote is looking to prevent Benson, any local clerk or any of their employees from sending or providing access to unsolicited absent voter applications or ballots. 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. Roe said it allows voters to mail in a copy of their ID. Thats less than one businesses days notice, Trebilcock said. Under Secure MI Votes proposal, election officials would not be allowed to send absent voter ballots or ballot applications to registered voters unless a voter specifically requested one. What they think is irrelevant," he said. Supporters say: It's common sense. Theinitiative would require clerks to pay churches that serve as polling locations, according to organizers. 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