Support the Promote The Vote Initiative
Demonstrators voicing the importance of protecting voters right. Image courtesy of Jim West
Last month, I shared much needed information about the nefarious attempts by the right-wing establishment in Michigan to suppress the vote through the SECURE MI VOTE petition. This initiative seeks to put in place several needless roadblocks and hurdles that make it more difficult to vote, especially in historically vulnerable and disenfranchised communities.
This month, I am happy to report the emergence of a new initiative, known as PROMOTE THE VOTE 2022. Promote the Vote — the coalition behind the successful 2018 ballot proposal that created no-excuse absentee voting and same-day registration in Michigan — recently announced the launch of a new ballot initiative to make voting more accessible and protect election outcomes from interference by partisan actors.
"Promote the Vote 2022" will be on the November 8 ballot if it secures enough signatures. The ballot initiative proposes major changes to Michigan election law, including:
Early voting: Voters would have nine consecutive days of early voting before an election to cast their ballot.
Funding for ballot postage, drop boxes and ballot tracking: The state would be required to fund prepaid postage to apply for and return absentee ballots. The state would also be required to provide funding for secure drop boxes and a ballot tracking system so voters could see where their absentee ballot is and alert them to any issues they can fix to ensure their vote counts.
More time for military and overseas voters to return ballots: Election officials would be required to count ballots received from military and overseas voters that are mailed by Election Day and received within six days of an election.
Requesting an absentee ballot for every election: Voters would be able to request an absentee ballot for all future elections without having to apply before every election.
Voter ID: The amendment would add to the state constitution existing voter ID rules for in-person and absentee voters, limiting lawmakers' ability to enact different requirements. As is current practice, those voting in person would present a photo ID or sign an affidavit to verify their identity while those voting absentee would place their signature on their absentee ballot application and ballot return envelope.
Prevent interference in the vote certification: The amendment would make clear that the election results certified by the Board of State Canvassers are final unless there is a recount. It also makes clear that the Legislature plays no role in the vote certification and that boards of county canvassers have a clear and ministerial duty to certify election returns received by municipal clerks.
Bar political parties from participating in post-election audits: Only election officials would be able to carry out post-election audits. Officers of national, state, and local political parties, as well as precinct delegates, would be barred from carrying out an audit.
This is common-sense legislation that goes far toward ensuring that all of the voices of Michigan are respected and heard. I urge you to sign this petition wherever you see it circulated. Better yet, support the effort by making a donation or signing up to circulate the petition yourself. See https://promotethevote2022.com/ to get involved.
