Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons announced a new bill was introduced June 16 that would allow Michigan voters the option of casting a secure absentee ballot without giving a reason.
Johnson testified in support of the bill at a House Elections Committee hearing today.
“Thanks to our long-held commitment to protecting the security and integrity of elections, Michigan is now ready to offer this option to accommodate Michigan’s hardworking families’ busy schedules,” Johnson said. “I look forward to working with lawmakers to see this signed into law.”
House Bill 4724, sponsored by Lyons, would allow Michigan voters to apply for and receive an absentee ballot at their city or township clerk’s office after meeting the same identification requirements as when voting in person on Election Day. If approved, Michigan would join the 27 other states that offer no-reason absentee voting.
“We should give all voters a convenient way to have their voices heard on Election Day,” said Lyons, R-Alto, who chairs the House Elections Committee. “My legislation offers that convenience while protecting the integrity of our elections.
“Too often we hear about friends or neighbors who fib about being out of town to cast an absentee ballot. We should be realistic about absentee voting and offer the convenience to everyone eligible to vote.”
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