FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2023
Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer on House Passage of Voting Rights Bills
Legislation will make it easier for service members and their spouses to vote, allow transportation assistance to the polls for seniors, and build an online portal for voters to request their absentee ballot
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after passage of voting rights legislation. This builds on months of action to implement Proposal 2 and deliver on the democracy protection policies in the What’s Next Address.
“I applaud the passage of legislation that makes it easier for Michiganders to safely and securely exercise their constitutional right to vote.
“The bills passed today will ensure those serving our nation in uniform and their spouses can vote more easily, help seniors get to the polls, and require the creation of a website that allows voters to request their absentee ballot easily and securely.
“As governor, I am focused on protecting every citizen’s ability to make their voice heard. I am proud of the work we have done to expand voting rights in Michigan with the overwhelming passage of Proposal 2 last November and a series of bipartisan bills that I was proud to sign into law this year.
“Let’s keep working together to protect and expand civil rights.”
Today’s Voting Rights Bills
HB 4210, sponsored by Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker), allows for the electronic return of a voted ballot by absent uniformed service members and their spouses.
HB 4567, sponsored by Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), amends the ballot challenge requirements.
HB 4568, sponsored by Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Whitsett), will help seniors and all eligible voters get to the polls by allowing for transportation assistance.
HB 4570, sponsored by Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), requires the Michigan Secretary of State to maintain an online application portal that allows voters to request an absentee ballot.
Governor Whitmer’s Actions to Protect and Expand Voting Rights
Michigan’s elections are free, fair, secure, and accurate and the results reflect the will of the voters. The results are certified and audited by Republican, Democratic, and non-partisan election officials.
In May 2022, Governor Whitmer signed executive directive 2022-04, instructing all state departments and agencies to identify and assess potential opportunities when engaging with Michiganders from all walks of life and all 83 counties to help eligible voters register and gain access to reliable information about voting, including displays in public spaces, printed materials, online information, public announcements, and social media posts. The executive directive can be viewed here.
In February 2023, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 13, moving the state’s presidential primary to February and strengthening Michiganders’ votes and voices in the presidential primary.
In May 2023, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 259, bipartisan legislation ensuring that absentee voter ballots from military and overseas voters are counted if received up to six days after an election.
In July 2023, Governor Whitmer signed a package of bipartisan bills implementing Ballot Proposal 22-2, also known as ‘Prop 2,’ which was passed overwhelmingly by Michiganders in November 2022. The new laws make it easier to vote in a secure way, ensuring Michiganders can make their voices heard in every election.
In August 2023, Governor Whitmer delivered her What’s Next Address, which included proposals to shore up election security. This would ensure that the will of the people cannot be tossed out or overturned, and make sure politicians cannot stay in office despite getting voted out.
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