Michigan House Democrats Pass Five Pro-Voting Bills
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, Sept. 27, the Democratic-controlled Michigan House of Representatives passed five bills that would expand voting rights in the state.
The bills passed on party-line votes and include:
- House Bill 4210, which would allow military spouses and their dependents to cast their ballots electronically if they are overseas. Currently, only military members themselves have this option.
- House Bill 4567, which would remove the challenged ballot requirement that automatically flags a ballot as challenged if an individual registers to vote on Election Day, even if they present voter ID and proof of residency.
- House Bill 4568, which would eliminate a law — already facing a legal challenge from a voter and pro-voting groups — that makes it a crime to “hire a motor vehicle” to transport voters to the polls unless they are “physically unable to walk.”
- House Bill 4569, which would permit Michiganders aged 16 to 17 and a half to pre-register to vote. The legislation would also require the coordination of a “public education and outreach campaign” to make these voters aware of their ability to pre-register.
- House Bill 4570, which would authorize voters to apply for mail-in ballots through an online application maintained by the secretary of state.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) praised the passage of some of the bills in a statement, saying “[t]he people of Michigan believe in democracy. Today, the House acted on the will of the people and passed bills to strengthen democracy in our state.”
The five bills now head to the Michigan Senate, which is also controlled by Democrats.