Michigan Election Law Reform Discussions Ahead of 2025 Changes

Michigan's Upcoming Election Law Reforms: A Closer Look

As the state of Michigan prepares for notable changes in its election laws set for 2025, various civic organizations are engaging in active discussions regarding the potential impacts on voting practices. Promote The Vote, a nonpartisan group focused on expanding voting rights, recently held a press conference to delve into these reforms and their implications.

Micheal Davis Jr., the executive director of Promote The Vote, raised alarms about efforts by what he termed “anti-voter groups” aiming to roll back recent voting accessibility reforms. This dialogue occurs on the brink of legislative proposals expected to reshape the state's voting regulations in the near future.

During the press conference, Melanie Macey from Promote The Vote outlined a series of reforms already implemented. These changes, designed to enhance voter registration procedures, ballot return processes, election security, and administrative efficiency, include a significant firearm prohibition in polling places.

Macey noted the recent expansion of online voter registration options, which will also allow active-duty service members to submit absentee ballot returns electronically. "Voters who have May elections will already have greater peace of mind at the polls with the firearm restrictions,” Macey stated. Furthermore, starting in July, residents lacking a Michigan driver’s license or state ID will have the ability to register online using just the last four digits of their social security number.

Additional measures involve a 2023 legislative effort that modifies automatic voter registration. This provision will extend to specific state, federal, or tribal agencies by June 30, which already collect essential voter registration data.

Another critical change mentioned by Macey is the new restriction preventing individuals with election-related convictions from serving on canvassing boards at the state or county level. As of April 2, election offices will also acquire the capability to print ballots on-demand, a service that was previously confined to early voting periods.

In a noteworthy declaration, Paula Bowman, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Michigan, highlighted adjustments regarding voter recounts. The revised statutes state that recount requests will only be entertained after March 20 if they have the potential to impact electoral outcomes, allowing election officials to focus their resources effectively. “Now, election officials will no longer be required to waste their time on frivolous recounts,” Bowman remarked.

Shams Al-Badry from the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services also discussed advantages related to on-demand ballot printing at polling stations, especially for voters needing ballots in languages other than English. Al-Badry pointed out the logistical and financial barriers that had previously hindered some cities from offering translated ballots.

Davis reiterated the organization’s commitment to countering initiatives that seek to impose stricter voter ID laws. “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,” he asserted.

Promote The Vote has expressed opposition to House Joint Resolution B, which would require proof of citizenship to vote, arguing that such requirements threaten voting rights.

In related news, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating proof of citizenship for federal voter registration and aiming to limit the counting of absentee ballots that arrive after Election Day. Legal experts, including Sean Morales-Doyle from the Brennan Center for Justice, have criticized this order as being at odds with existing federal voting statutes.

Looking forward, Macey shared that Promote The Vote is dedicated to advancing certain voting policies while remaining receptive to feedback from state 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.