Progress Michigan Applauds Introduction of Pro-Voter Bills 

MICHIGAN – November 3, 2021, Michigan House Democrats introduced a pro-voter bill package that would protect voters’ voices and modernize our elections. Voting rights advocates are applauding these bills as a step in the right direction to expand access to the ballot. Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan, released the following statement in response: 

“After the onslaught of anti-voter legislation Michiganders have had to endure over the last year, it’s refreshing to see a bill package that will actually improve our elections and voting rights. In 2018, voters overwhelmingly backed pro-voter policies that helped create record voter turnout and the Right to Vote package is a good next step in modernizing our elections. The work doesn’t end because of this bill package—we still need to expand early voting options for Michiganders and work to defeat anti-voter proposals being rammed through the legislature—but this package shows us a small glimpse of what is possible. It’s time to build on successes of the past 2018 and 2020 elections, not try to tear them down.” 

The bills introduced today will: 

• Require clerks to send absentee ballot applications and “know your rights” information to voters 75 days before an election
• Require the state to reimburse communities for the cost of postage for absentee ballot applications, absentee ballots and return envelopes
• Allow ballots to be counted if received by a clerk within 72 hours of an election and postmarked by election day
• Allow overseas military and their spouses to submit an absentee ballot electronically
• Allow the hiring of transportation services to help voters get to their polling place
• Allow absentee ballots to be processed, but not counted, 7 days before an election
• Allow 16-17.5 year olds to pre-register to vote
• Require clerks to maintain a permanent absentee voter list and offer an option to join the permanent list on voter registration applications
• Require communities to have at least one secure voter drop box per 20,000 residents

For more information, contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org