State IDs cost $10 in Michigan, and the state already has a program to waive those fees for low-income residents who qualify for other forms of government assistance. On December 28, 2022, the petition was withdrawn by Secure MI Vote.[3]. Gov. Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues. The "Secure MI Vote" committee filed a proposed petition with the secretary of state's office that would tighten the state's voter ID law, ban the state from sending absentee ballot. Roe said clerks wouldnt have to turn away these volunteers while Spies, the lawyer for Secure MI Vote, said there would need to be clarification on which volunteer activities remain permissible. A lot of people like to tell me, Well, you could just vote no on all of this, and actually I might not agree with it, but constitutionally I cant.. Unless they have plans to spend just a ton of money per signature and flood the streets to get the signatures quickly, its hard to imagine that they can get 350,000 plus enough cushion in order to have it certified by the Secretary of State in calendar year 2020, said Jeff Timmer, a former Michigan GOP official who opposes Trump and the effort to tighten voting laws. "If youre going to use the church for a polling place, you have to pay that church fair market value for the use of their facility,"he said. Will you please support our nonprofit newsroom? [2] At least 340,047 signatures need to be valid. The overwhelming majority of polling locations in Delta Township are churches that provide free access to their space, Clark said. I find that objectionable and I think that lacks adequate fairness to the public and opposing committees., Trebilcock encouraged the board to delay the vote, saying the initiative is being pushed for no reason other than political ends., Republican board member Tony Daunt told Trebilcock that there simply is not a rush here., Were back here because we all agreed to handle some important mistakes that were made by the Secure MI Vote folks, Daunt said. The "Secure MI Vote" committee on Monday was expected to file proposed petition language with the Michigan Secretary of State that would make identification mandatory for in-person and absentee voting, prohibit absentee ballot application mass mailings and bar election funding by private groups. That ballot would only be counted if the voter later confirms their identity with their local clerk, which would have to be done within six days of voting. "Its going to be what some judge thinks and what administrators think that it says. Gretchen Whitmer delivers her State of the State address to a joint session of the House and Senate on Jan. 25, 2023, at the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich. Michigan is . Clara Hendrickson fact-checks Michigan issues and politics as a corps member with Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project. The petition form can be viewed in full here. If they don't enact the initiative, it goes to a statewide vote. But unlike the normal process lawmakers follow to change state laws, Michigan's initiative petitionprocess allows lawmakers to bypass the governor's veto and enact the initiatives on their own. LANSING, Mich. The Michigan Senate voted Wednesday to ban discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, marking a legislative turning point that came after decades of debate in The number of required signatures varies depending on initiative type, and is based on the number of votes cast for the governor in the states last election. Sept. 23:What to know about Secure MI Vote initiative: security or suppression?Sept. After several recounts and analyses both locally and nationally, no widespread voter fraud was discovered in last years election. Its clear and simple, Litten told reporters Friday. To ensure that voters have accurate information about what the anti-voter [] While the loudest criticism against a GOP effort in Michigan to change the state's election laws has targeted itsproposed strict voter ID rules, clerks worry that the Secure MI Vote petition initiative would usher in other far-reaching changes. The Trump campaign filed the most post-election lawsuits related to the 2020 United States presidential election in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. It certainly would be a motivator for the Republicans to get out and vote, he said, but I think it would be a double edged sword and be a bigger motivator for Democrats especially in urban areas to vote.. The panels investigation found no evidence of widespread or systematic fraud in the Michigan election. The West Virginia House of Delegates has passed a bill that would allow for Public Service Commission inquiries into how railroads are managed, with new civil penalties for railroad operators She says, "Regardless of tonight's outcome, we fought the right fights and we put . You are checked for an absentee ballot so you cant vote twice. Apply today! Republican-backed group files petition language for tightening voter ID, absentee rules in Michigan, Whitmer, Gilchrist & liberal activists prepping to fight Republican voting bills, potential petitions, Michigan Senate GOP debuts election reforms critical of Secretary of States handling of November election. In order to get the proposed legislation in front of lawmakers or on the ballot,sponsors of these petition initiatives had to collect at least 340,047 voter signatures. Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson did just that ahead of the November 2020 election, mailing absentee applications to every registered voter, drawing criticism from Republicans who claimed doing so allows opportunities for fraud. It's a continuation of the Big Lie that's anti-voter and anti-democracy. Why would anyone risk a felony charge for one vote? Want to see more local news? 14:Ballot drive, suits eyed to fight Michigan vote reforms blasted as suppression. The proposals could also appear on the ballot if the Legislature proposes a different measure on the same subject,placing both proposals on the ballot for voters to approve. But the two agreed thatorganizations could continue to conduct election-related activities such as voter registration drives on their own, just not in partnership with clerks offices. The recall campaign began in August 2022, launched by chairman Belden Batiste and vice chairwoman Eileen Carter, attributing the cause to Cantrell's "quiet quit" and neglect of interacting . This petition basically restricts Michiganders right to vote. Critics argue that ID requirements like those outlined in Secure MI Votes initiative would put a burden on voters who do not have IDs and cannot easily obtain them, specifically older and low-income populations. Our plan for the first time ever creates a fund that will be used to provide state issued photo ID to anyone who can't afford it," Roe said. Supporters say: It's common sense. Under Secure MI Votes proposal, election officials would not be allowed to send absent voter ballots or ballot applications to registered voters unless a voter specifically requested one. Gov. Secure MI Vote is "turning in signatures not to qualify for the 2022 ballot because they have missed the deadline to do that but to put these measures to the state legislature to pass veto-proof legislation that will undermine our democracy, Wang said in a written statement. [1], The campaign Secure MI Vote filed a petition with the State Board of Canvassers on September 2, 2021. "We need to file tomorrow. However, there are some communities, both urban and rural, that benefit from and count on private donations. The proposal focuses on a few key points: Lets break down these points and their significance a bit more. 2022 election first.". Here's more on that and why some groups say . The petition process allows the proposal to be enacted without approval from the state's Democrat governor, Gretchen Whitmer. Gretchen Whitmer from directing $25 million to place police officers on campuses at 195 public school districts . The "Secure MI Vote" petition is making its way around Michigan communities. Contact her at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. The 2020 election was free, secure, and accurate. Judges appointed by both Republicans and Democrats rejected more than 60 lawsuits challenging the outcome.. Yet, it won't be on the November ballot. The new Michigan initiative is not about Trump or any particular individual, said Roe, the GOP consultant who is working as a spokesperson for the petition committee. If lawmakers do not take action within 40 session days, the proposed law will appear on the ballot. Mar 1, 2023 Updated 1 hr ago. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Delhi Twp - Holt - Dimondale - Southside Lansing, East Lansing, Haslett, Okemos & Williamston, East Lansing, Haslett, Okemos, Webberville & Williamston. If this campaign fails, the effort could be dead on arrival. Follow her on Twitter @clarajanehen. Instead, under their proposal, voters who cannot present valid identification would vote using a provisional ballot. We arent there yet. LINCOLN, Neb. Reform of Michigan's petition certification process would facilitate a move by the state into the business of preparing voter guides to provide some explanation of the ballot . "You know, the citizens legislative initiative system in Michigan is difficult and it should be difficult because we are trying to change state law.. Copyright 2021 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. However, a certain group of people dont want safe and secure elections: they want power and influence. Trebilcock pointed to the fact that the petition summary was approved late Friday afternoon and the board came back to vote on the form Monday morning. Thus they launched the "Protect the Vote" initiative that is now on YOUR November 2022 ballot. Though Michigan already has a voter ID law, Secure MI Votes initiative would remove the ability to submit an affidavit for individuals without an ID to cast a ballot if they sign a statement of identity. Despite several reports from government and election officials finding no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, Republican lawmakers and some voters are pushing for tighter voting laws across the U.S. -- including here in Michigan. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) - Thousands upon thousands of signatures were collected for the Secure MI Vote petition. "We're going to be patient in achieving our goals because the stakes for our children are so high," said Let MI Kids Learn spokesman Fred Wszolek. More:Michigan clerks concerned . The petition was submitted by Secure MI Vote, a Republican-backed committee looking to add steps and security measures to voting procedures. The Bureau of Elections Ombudsperson for Accessible Elections responds to and assists individuals with disabilities attempting to vote. But the president of One Fair Wage, Saru Jayaraman,said in a statement that the Michigan campaign to increase the minimum wage decided to delay its own signature submissions "out of an abundance of caution.". The Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature recently attempted to pass stricter voting laws, similar to what is being proposed by Secure MI Vote. According to an outline shared with Bridge Michigan, the initiative would: Michigan already has a voter ID law, but the initiative would eliminate a rarely used affidavit option that allows voters without an ID to cast a normal ballot on Election Day if they attest that they are who they say they are under penalty of perjury. June 1, 2022 (5 p.m.) . Dallas Lenear, the group's treasurer, said that in most Michigan counties there are more payday loan stores than McDonald's and they are disproportionately located in low-income and rural communities where residentsstruggle to afford the high interest rates currently charged. Secure MI Vote: Initiated statute: Elections reforms: Unlock Michigan II: Initiated statute: Weaken gubernatorial powers in an emergency: Let MI Kids Learn A: . Michigans nonpartisan, nonprofit news source, The gift that gives all year long. If they fail to do so, they can "present an original or a copy"of an ID to their "city, township, or county clerk." The initiative is proposing quite a bit of change, and were going to break down everything you need to know. LANSING, MI The Secure MI Vote committee can begin collecting signatures to tighten voter ID laws after the Michigan Board of Canvassers approved the group's petition language Monday. He told the Free Press later that tweaks could help clerks comply with the new rules while maintaining online and easy access to applications. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Organizers of that initiative also aimed to amend the state's public health code through the initiative petition process to limit emergency orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and local health officers to 28 days unless approved by the Legislature or local governing bodies. Organizers for the Secure MI Vote to enact strict voter ID laws and the Let MI Kids Learn petition initiativesdon't intend to put their initiatives on the ballot andhope insteadthat lawmakers would pass their proposals later this year. WKAR Public Media | With a number of petition initiatives floating around Michigan this year, we want to make sure youre familiar with all of the facts. Secure MI Vote is seeking to eliminate the affidavit voting option altogether. The petition aims to assist those who do not have access or face financial hardship in obtaining an ID in the creation of a $3 million Voter Access Fund.. Jamie Roe, a spokesperson for the Secure MI Vote initiative, called the Wednesday filing date "sort of an artificial deadline" and said that state election officials could review signatures the group plans to fileso that the GOP-led Legislature could take up the proposal quickly. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Rather than sign the SMV petition, Im urging everyone to support candidates who work to make voting easier and secure. "Once you tell people what's in it, they're going to vote 'no.' It's clear and. On Oct. 17, Whitmer vetoed two more bills aimed at making sweeping changes to the states election code -- the latest of dozens the governor has vowed will stop at her desk. The secretary of state defended her actions, however, arguing that it was necessary to present a remote voting option amid the ongoing public health crisis. Those leading thepetition drive say it would also bar clerksfrom partnering with nongovernment groups to carry out election-related activities such as registration drives. Follow her on Twitter @clarajanehen. It's about making it harder to vote and more difficult for clerks to run elections. Bradshaw voted to approve the petition form Monday, but only because of her constitutional duty to do so, she said, adding that Michigan does already have a voter ID law. michigan petition circulator rulesirina emelyanova pasternak 26th February 2023 / in coastal carolina football camp 2022 / by / in coastal carolina football camp 2022 / by I'm not one who's been out there crying about that the election was stolen I dont believe it was but I do believe that there are people who think that it was just as there are people who thought wrongly after 2016 that that election was stolen, Roe said. Make a tax-deductible contribution to support her work at bit.ly/freepRFA. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. (Bridge file photo) September 23, 2021 Jonathan Oosting ( Email) & Mike Wilkinson ( Email) Michigan Government Michigan Secretary of State, Gov. All rights reserved. The Board approved the petition form on September 27, 2021.[1]. The Michiganders for Fair Lendingproposal would cap interest rates on payday loans at a 36% annual percentage rate. FILE - Michigan Gov. We repeat: If Proposal 2 wins in November elections will not be secure ever again. The Secure MI Vote petition was initiated after dozens of Republican-backed, voter restriction bills were introduced in the Michigan Legislature. People are caught and prosecuted; the fines are steep and prison time is a possibility. County clerks do not issue ballots and "allowing a voter to present a copy of their ID to the county clerk would truly not be effective,"Roebuck wrote in an email. And while most election workers throughout the state are paid, some volunteer their time to support clerks with election-related tasks. "The most important thing for us is that one million Michigan workers get $15 per hour, and this is that path that ensures us that victory," Jayaraman said. What we are trying to do here is just restore the confidence and the belief in the integrity of the system, said spokesperson Jamie Roe, a GOP consultant who is working on the new committee along with veteran Republican operative Fred Wszolek. It could also reduce the potential for outside groups to try to influence future elections by ensuring they dont direct funding to preferred communities. Its possible Republicans could pivot and decide to put the initiative on the 2022 ballot instead to try and drive turnout among voters who believe the stop the steal big lies, Timmer speculated earlier this month. On a day poised to see a slew of petition initiatives filed to change Michigan laws, only one campaign an effort to cap payday loan interest ratesdropped off signed petition forms ahead of the filing deadline Wednesdayto land a spot on the November ballot. More: Whitmer vetoes election bills, saying they 'fail to advance' safe and secure elections, More: Michigan House Republicans pass bill aimed at expediting review of petition initiatives. That proposal aims to expand voter access through things like an early in-person voting period and protections of the right to vote through a signed affidavit. If you fail any of the tests, you wont get a ballot until the problem is resolved. "Usually, people applaud when their local government gets grants to help offset some of the costs.". He said the same of voters stopping by their clerk's office to obtain an application. The Secure MI Vote petition suggests Michigans voting process is not secure, and that to fix it voting must be harder. If a petition sponsor avails itself of this Republican lawmakers have already passedbills mirroring those proposals, but Gov. At least 340,047 signatures need to be valid. 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