Michigan Prepares for Significant Election Law Changes in 2025
As Michigan gears up for pivotal election law changes, civic groups are actively discussing the implications these reforms will have on the state’s voting landscape. Promote The Vote, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to enhancing voting rights in Michigan, led a press conference to address these developments.
During this event, Micheal Davis Jr., the executive director of Promote The Vote, highlighted concerns over attempts by “anti-voter groups” to reverse recent reforms that have increased voting accessibility. These discussions come as the state anticipates legislative action slated for 2025.
Melanie Macey from Promote The Vote outlined key reforms already enacted, aimed at improving voter registration processes, ballot returns, election security, and administrative procedures. Among the notable changes is a firearm ban at polling locations.
Macey emphasized the expansion of online voter registration and the introduction of electronic absentee ballot returns for active-duty service members. “Voters who have May elections will already have greater peace of mind at the polls with the firearm restrictions,” she stated. Additionally, starting in July, residents without a Michigan driver’s license or state ID will be able to register online using their social security number’s last four digits.
Further changes include a 2023 legislative package that modifies automatic voter registration. By June 30, this will extend to certain state, federal, or tribal agencies already gathering necessary voter registration information.
Macey also noted that individuals convicted of election-related offenses will be barred from serving on state and county canvassing boards. Moreover, starting April 2, election offices will have the capability to print ballots on-demand, a practice previously limited to early voting.
Paula Bowman, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Michigan, pointed out a significant change concerning voter recounts. Under new regulations, recounts will only be approved after March 20 if they could alter election outcomes. “Now, election officials will no longer be required to waste their time on frivolous recounts,” Bowman remarked.
Shams Al-Badry of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services discussed the benefits of on-demand ballot printing at election sites, particularly for voters needing ballots in languages other than English. Al-Badry noted that logistical and financial challenges previously deterred some cities from offering translated ballots.
Davis addressed ongoing efforts at various government levels to impose stricter voter ID requirements. He affirmed, “We’re going to continue to push back against attempts to undermine and strip away the right of eligible voters in Michigan to participate in the system.”
Promote The Vote has voiced opposition to House Joint Resolution B, which mandates proof of citizenship for voting. The organization views this as a direct threat to voting rights.
In a related development, President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring proof of citizenship for federal voter registration and seeks to halt the counting of absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day but received later. Legal experts, including Sean Morales-Doyle from the Brennan Center for Justice, argue the order contravenes existing federal voting laws.
Looking ahead, Macey mentioned that Promote The Vote is committed to pushing forward certain voting policies while being open to feedback from clerks and legislators. “We’ve met with some legislators and are scheduling meetings with others to discuss priorities and pitch ideas for improving election administration,” Macey concluded.
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