Michigan Republicans delay absentee ballot signature rules
2 years, 9 months ago

Michigan Republicans delay absentee ballot signature rules

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Republican lawmakers on Tuesday delayed until after the November election rules that will tell Michigan election clerks how to match the signatures of people applying for and submitting absentee ballots. “We will continue to find ways to work across the aisle to do what’s best for every voter, in the hopes they change course and work with us in good faith to promote data-driven legislation that actually supports voters, clerks and democracy.” Benson began the rule-making process in 2021 after a state judge invalidated signature-verification standards she had given local clerks a month before the 2020 presidential election. Yet Republicans have passed bills, which were vetoed, that would have toughened in-person voter identification rules and required people to include additional information such as their driver’s license number on absentee ballot applications. Republicans also oppose rules related to candidates’ affidavits of identity and online absentee ballot applications Benson made available to voters starting in 2020.

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History of this topic

Nevada votes thrown into chaos because young voters can’t sign their names
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Nevada votes thrown into chaos because young voters can’t sign their names

The Telegraph  

Vote counting in Nevada has been thrown into chaos because young people cannot sign their own names, a state official has said. Roughly 13,000 mail-in ballots have been rejected across Nevada because the signatures on their ballot did not match the signatures in the system, secretary of state Francisco Aguilar said on Tuesday. “And when they did register to vote …

Conservative groups are pushing to clean voter rolls. Others see an effort to sow election distrust
5 months, 1 week ago

Conservative groups are pushing to clean voter rolls. Others see an effort to sow election distrust

Associated Press  

Conservative groups are systematically attempting to challenge the legitimacy of large numbers of voter registrations across the country before the presidential election. Here is a look at what’s happening around voter roll challenges: States already must maintain their rolls “Soles to the Rolls” in Michigan, whose name echoes the “Souls to the Polls” get-out-the-vote efforts of Black churches, and Nevada’s …

Potential signature fraud in Michigan threatens to disrupt congressional races
7 months, 1 week ago

Potential signature fraud in Michigan threatens to disrupt congressional races

Associated Press  

Follow live: Updates from AP’s coverage of the presidential election. LANSING, Mich. — Fraudulent signatures could upend Michigan’s congressional races this year as each declared GOP U.S. Senate candidate faces new calls to investigate their attempts to get on the August primary ballot and a Democratic U.S. House candidate appears likely to fall short. Adam Hollier, a former state senator …

Republicans demand purge of Michigan's voter rolls before general election
9 months, 1 week ago

Republicans demand purge of Michigan's voter rolls before general election

Raw Story  

The Republican National Committee is trying to get the Michigan voter rolls purged before November's general election, the non-partisan voting rights legal organization Democracy Docket revealed. Posting a court filing on social media, the group explained that the RNC sued Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, claiming that Michigan was in violation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 because …

Eyeing 2024, Michigan Democrats expand voter registration and election safeguards in the swing state
1 year ago

Eyeing 2024, Michigan Democrats expand voter registration and election safeguards in the swing state

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Democrats are building on an effort to overhaul election laws in the state by allowing 16-year-olds to register before they can legally vote at 18 and adding more protections for election officials ahead of a 2024 presidential election that the swing state could play a critical role in. “This groundbreaking step will cement Michigan as a …

Michigan governor signs legislation expanding voting rights
1 year, 5 months ago

Michigan governor signs legislation expanding voting rights

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday signed a bipartisan package of bills into law to expand voter rights by allowing early voting and early tabulation of absentee ballots across Michigan. The measure requires state-funded absentee ballot drop boxes, as well as postage for absentee ballots and applications, and allows voters to join a permanent list to receive absentee …

'What problem are they trying to solve?' Republicans introduce bill to add watermarks to absentee ballots
1 year, 5 months ago

'What problem are they trying to solve?' Republicans introduce bill to add watermarks to absentee ballots

Raw Story  

Late last week, Republican legislators introduced legislation that would require all absentee ballots in Wisconsin to be printed with a watermark as a safeguard against people photocopying ballots. The bill, introduced by Rep. Scott Allen and Sen. Romaine Quinn, comes as Republicans have increasingly focused on Wisconsin’s absentee ballot process as a potential source of election wrongdoing in the years …

The price of a ballot signature is way up, and experts worry it's encouraging fraud
1 year, 8 months ago

The price of a ballot signature is way up, and experts worry it's encouraging fraud

NPR  

The price of a ballot signature is way up, and experts worry it's encouraging fraud Enlarge this image toggle caption Andrew Selsky/AP Andrew Selsky/AP Michigan's election for governor was upended last year when several Republicans were removed from the primary ballot for problems with their voter signatures. What happened with Michigan's signature fraud issue Five candidates running in the state's …

Michigan board approves ballot measure on voting access
2 years, 3 months ago

Michigan board approves ballot measure on voting access

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan election board on Friday voted to put a question on the November ballot about whether the state should expand opportunities to vote, including through absentee and early voting, after the state Supreme Court ordered it to do so. The measure would require state-funded absentee ballot drop boxes, as well as postage for absentee ballots and …

Michigan measure to expand voting access blocked from ballot
2 years, 3 months ago

Michigan measure to expand voting access blocked from ballot

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan elections board decided Wednesday that a proposed constitutional amendment that would expand voting access didn’t qualify for the November ballot, leading the measure’s supporters to vow to appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court. The proposed amendment to the state constitution would, among other changes, require nine days of in-person early voting and require …

NC elections board rejects Republican signature check motion
2 years, 5 months ago

NC elections board rejects Republican signature check motion

Associated Press  

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina State Board of Elections denied Thursday a Republican Party request that the board authorize county elections officials to scrutinize signatures on absentee voting documents, citing concerns that the proposal would create unequal standards across counties. Challenging the board’s prior guidance discouraging signature matching, the proposal would permit county boards of elections to compare signatures …

Initiatives battle for voter rights in Michigan
2 years, 5 months ago

Initiatives battle for voter rights in Michigan

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — An effort to lock certain voting rights in the Michigan Constitution has taken a major step toward the fall ballot, eclipsing a rival campaign led by Republicans to limit absentee voting and add other restrictions. The ballot question would expand voter rights by allowing nine days of in-person early voting, state-funded absentee ballot postage and drop boxes …

Why several Republican candidates for Michigan governor were blocked from the ballot
2 years, 6 months ago

Why several Republican candidates for Michigan governor were blocked from the ballot

NPR  

Why several Republican candidates for Michigan governor were blocked from the ballot Enlarge this image toggle caption Paul Sancya/AP Paul Sancya/AP Update: The Michigan Supreme Court on Friday denied three Republicans' last-ditch efforts to get on the August gubernatorial ballot. Original post: Several Republican candidates for governor of Michigan, including some of the party's top hopefuls, have been blocked from …

GOP candidate for Michigan governor loses key ballot ruling
2 years, 6 months ago

GOP candidate for Michigan governor loses key ballot ruling

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Michigan GOP governor hopefuls off ballot, court fight next
2 years, 6 months ago

Michigan GOP governor hopefuls off ballot, court fight next

Associated Press  

Two of the leading candidates for the GOP nomination for Michigan governor say they will ask the courts to intervene after they were found ineligible Thursday for the August primary, reshaping the race to challenge Democratic Gov. Craig criticized the board’s partisan decision as “a travesty” and said the bureau should have done a line-by-line verification of signatures he submitted, …

Michigan GOP governor candidates short signatures
2 years, 7 months ago

Michigan GOP governor candidates short signatures

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s elections bureau said late Monday that five Republican candidates for governor, including two leading contenders, failed to file enough valid nominating signatures and should not qualify for the August primary. Bureau staff also determined that three other lesser-known GOP candidates — Donna Brandenburg, Michael Brown and Michael Markey — did not turn in enough valid signatures. …

Whitmer vetoes bill to add warning against voting twice
2 years, 7 months ago

Whitmer vetoes bill to add warning against voting twice

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed legislation that would have required voter registration applications to include a statement that the applicant understands it is a felony to try to vote more than once in the same election. Her office announced the veto late Friday, after business hours, saying the bill was part of a larger package of election measures …

Michigan Legislature sends more election bills to governor
2 years, 9 months ago

Michigan Legislature sends more election bills to governor

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — The Republican-controlled Legislature sent more election-related bills to Gov. One of the bill sponsors, Republican Rep. Julie Calley of Portland, said “leaving the names of dead and ineligible voters in our qualified voter file invites fraud and malfeasance.” Benson spokesperson Tracy Wimmer said the measures were initially drafted in coordination with the department, which supported them. “But …

House OKs banning online absentee applications, SOS mailings
2 years, 9 months ago

House OKs banning online absentee applications, SOS mailings

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — The Republican-controlled Michigan House voted Thursday to prohibit digital signatures on absentee ballot applications and to ban unsolicited mailings of applications to voters, advancing more election bills that are unlikely to be signed by the Democratic governor. Republicans said they would increase voters’ confidence in elections and make voting more secure after the 2018 approval of a …

Benson rejects GOP changes to signature-verification rules
2 years, 9 months ago

Benson rejects GOP changes to signature-verification rules

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Friday rejected many Republican-requested changes to rules that will guide election clerks on how to match the signatures of people applying for and submitting absentee ballots. Benson, a Democrat, accepted one recommended revision but denied eight, saying the pending regulations are “based on facts, data and longstanding nonpartisan standard election administration …

Voting, payday lending ballot drives advance in Michigan
2 years, 10 months ago

Voting, payday lending ballot drives advance in Michigan

Associated Press  

DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Ballot drives to expand voting options, restrict payday loans and overhaul Michigan’s citizens initiative process cleared steps before the state elections board Friday, enabling organizers to start collecting hundreds of thousands of signatures to qualify for the 2022 ballot. Its constitutional amendment — proposed months after Republicans launched a veto-proof initiative they contend would improve election …

Absentee request deadline trips voters under new Georgia law
3 years ago

Absentee request deadline trips voters under new Georgia law

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — More than half of absentee ballot applications rejected in Georgia in advance of the Nov. 2 elections were turned down because they came in after a deadline created in Georgia’s new voting law. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports 52% of applications were rejected because voters asked for an absentee ballot within the last 11 days before the election, too …

GOP chair funds Michigan ballot drive to toughen voting law
3 years, 1 month ago

GOP chair funds Michigan ballot drive to toughen voting law

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — The primary funder of a ballot drive to toughen Michigan’s voter identification law and restrict mass mailings of unsolicited absentee ballot applications is Ron Weiser, chairman of the state Republican Party. The group needs about 340,000 valid voter signatures for the initiative, which the GOP-controlled Legislature would likely pass into law rather than let it go to …

Michigan governor vetoes stricter voter ID, election bills
3 years, 1 month ago

Michigan governor vetoes stricter voter ID, election bills

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — As promised, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday vetoed Republican- The governor said the bills would disproportionately hurt minority voters who are more likely to not have a photo ID on Election Day than white voters. Republicans said the bills, which follow a wave of new laws in GOP-controlled states that tighten election rules, would secure voting …

Opposition raises $2.5M to fight Michigan GOP voting changes
3 years, 1 month ago

Opposition raises $2.5M to fight Michigan GOP voting changes

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan group has raised $2.5 million from a liberal nonprofit to fight a Republican-backed ballot drive that would toughen voter ID requirements, ban the unsolicited mailing of absentee ballot applications and make other election changes. Jamie Roe, spokesman for Secure MI Vote, said of the effort: “Out-of-state leftists funding an operation designed to create confrontation and …

Michigan Republicans OK tougher voting rules; gov to veto
3 years, 2 months ago

Michigan Republicans OK tougher voting rules; gov to veto

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — The Republican-led Michigan Legislature on Thursday approved tougher voter ID requirements and a ban against mass mailing of unsolicited absentee ballot applications, finalizing bills that will be vetoed by Democratic Gov. The legislation headed to Whitmer would require voters who request an absentee ballot to write their driver’s license number, state ID number or the last four …

GOP group clears step to pursue Michigan voting restrictions
3 years, 3 months ago

GOP group clears step to pursue Michigan voting restrictions

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Republican organizers of veto-proof legislation that would make it harder to vote cleared a procedural step Thursday when the Michigan elections board approved a 100-word summary that will appear on top of the ballot petition. Once the Board of State Canvassers also clears the petition’s form, likely Monday, Secure MI Vote will soon after begin collecting signatures, …

Michigan Senate GOP probe: No systemic fraud in election
3 years, 6 months ago

Michigan Senate GOP probe: No systemic fraud in election

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — State Senate Republicans who investigated Michigan’s 2020 presidential election for months concluded there was no widespread or systemic fraud and urged the state attorney general to consider probing people who have made baseless allegations about the results in Antrim County to raise money or publicity “for their own ends.” The GOP-led state Senate Oversight Committee said in …

Michigan Republicans pass bills to add voter ID requirements
3 years, 6 months ago

Michigan Republicans pass bills to add voter ID requirements

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Republicans who control the Michigan Senate passed contentious legislation Wednesday that would mandate a photo ID to vote in person and add identity requirements for people who want to vote by mail. Republicans said the bills would ensure election integrity and security, contending the system became more vulnerable following a 2018 voter-approved constitutional amendment that expanded absentee …

Despite business warnings, GOP moves ahead with voting bills
3 years, 7 months ago

Despite business warnings, GOP moves ahead with voting bills

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Republican lawmakers around the country are pressing ahead with efforts …

Benson: Michigan voting bills more restrictive than Georgia
3 years, 8 months ago

Benson: Michigan voting bills more restrictive than Georgia

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s top election official on Thursday blasted Republican-backed voting bills that are pending in the Legislature, calling them an “un-American” affront to voters and saying some would be more restrictive than a controversial new law in Georgia. “There’s no evidence or data or even precedent to suggest that that somehow would prevent voter fraud.” Benson noted Michigan …

Michigan GOP plans to sidestep gov to enact election changes
3 years, 8 months ago

Michigan GOP plans to sidestep gov to enact election changes

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — The GOP-controlled Legislature is planning a maneuver that would enable it to pass contentious election changes into law and effectively nullify a likely veto from the state’s Democratic governor, a top Michigan Republican said. Weiser said the “election integrity” bills — which would, among other things, require photo ID, restrict absentee ballot drop box hours and ban …

Michigan Republicans propose slew of election changes
3 years, 9 months ago

Michigan Republicans propose slew of election changes

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Republicans on Wednesday proposed a slew of election bills that would require voters to submit a photo ID, prohibit the unsolicited mass mailing of absentee ballot applications, and restrict the hours in which people could drop their ballot in curbside boxes. The 39-bill package would let 16- and 17-year-olds preregister to vote, create an “early voting” …

Michigan eyes bill to clean up voter registration rolls
3 years, 9 months ago

Michigan eyes bill to clean up voter registration rolls

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Legislation working its way through the Michigan Legislature aims to clean up the state’s voter registration rolls. The measure calls for those who haven’t voted since the November 2000 election or who have “placeholder” birthdates in the state’s voter rolls to have their registration marked as challenged until they respond to a mailing from the Secretary of …

Wisconsin Republicans want to limit ballot drop boxes
3 years, 10 months ago

Wisconsin Republicans want to limit ballot drop boxes

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Ballot drop boxes would not be allowed anywhere other than election clerk offices in Wisconsin, and only voters — not elections officials — could fill out information on absentee envelopes, under the latest election-related bills circulated Wednesday by Republicans. Many communities across Wisconsin had multiple drop boxes to make it easier for voters to return ballots during …

Ballots can’t be tossed out over voter signature, court says
4 years, 2 months ago

Ballots can’t be tossed out over voter signature, court says

Associated Press  

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court ruled unanimously Friday on a key concern surrounding an avalanche of mailed ballots, prohibiting counties from rejecting them if the voter’s signature on it does not resemble the signature on the voter’s registration form. Republican lawmakers and the Trump campaign had argued that the law is clear that election officials must compare the information …

Whitmer approves earlier processing of absentee ballots
4 years, 2 months ago

Whitmer approves earlier processing of absentee ballots

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Clerks in Michigan cities or township of at least 25,000 people can start processing a surge of absentee ballots a day before November’s presidential election under legislation signed by Gov. Benson cautioned that because absentee ballots cannot begin to be counted until 7 a.m. on Election Day, the count may not be final until three days after …

GOP lawmakers get green light to appeal absentee ballot case
4 years, 2 months ago

GOP lawmakers get green light to appeal absentee ballot case

Associated Press  

DETROIT — The Republican-controlled Legislature on Wednesday was granted the right to intervene and appeal a groundbreaking court decision that allows Michigan absentee ballots to be counted for 14 days after the election. The ruling by Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Stephens means the case is certain to land in a higher court in the final weeks of the campaign …

Judge: Michigan must count ballots that arrive post-election
4 years, 3 months ago

Judge: Michigan must count ballots that arrive post-election

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — A judge on Friday cleared the way for more absentee ballots to be counted in Michigan, saying envelopes postmarked by the eve of the Nov. 3 election are eligible, even if they show up days later. But Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Stephens said there’s a crucial need for flexibility in November, especially after more than 6,400 …

Appeals court: Mass mailing of absent ballot applications OK
4 years, 3 months ago

Appeals court: Mass mailing of absent ballot applications OK

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s mass mailing of unsolicited absentee ballot applications to millions of 2020 voters was deemed legal by Michigan’s appeals court, which ruled Wednesday she had “inherent” authority to act under a 2018 constitutional amendment expanding voting rights. Benson, a Democrat, began sending the applications in May to all voters in the battleground state …

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