WASHINGTON — Today, the Michigan State Senate approved SB 285, 303, and 304, three measures that will require photo ID to vote in the state of Michigan. Heritage Action, a national conservative grassroots organization with over 21,000 activists in Michigan, released a statement from Executive Director Jessica Anderson applauding Michigan lawmakers for voting to strengthen election security in their state:
“Today, the Michigan State Senate passed provisions that ensure it is easy to vote and hard to cheat in the state of Michigan. SB 285, 303, and 304 are important steps towards ensuring security and transparency in Michigan’s elections. Voter ID verification is crucial to securing our election processes — 80% of Michiganders support requiring a government-issued ID to vote, according to a Detroit Regional Chamber poll.
Heritage Action thanks the grassroots of Michigan and the lawmakers who are working tirelessly to ensure that every Michigander is confident in their state’s election process. We thank Senators Theis, Barrett, and VanderWall for their leadership in strengthening Michigan’s elections. We urge the House to pass these provisions without delay.”
Background
SB 285, sponsored by State Sen. Lana Theis, requires anyone applying for an absentee ballot to provide an official Michigan driver’s license number or personal identification card number, the last four digits of a social security number, a photocopy of such identification, or present proper identification to a clerk in person in order to verify their identity and receive an absentee voter ballot.
SB 303, sponsored by State Sen. Tom Barrett, requires that all voters provide proper identification when voting in person. Voters who fail to provide photo ID will instead be issued provisional ballots.
SB 304, sponsored by State Sen. Curt VanderWall, ensures every vote is accurately counted by notifying voters who cast provisional ballots that their voter registration and/or identification must be verified within six days after the election in order for their vote to be tabulated. The notice must also communicate that certain individuals, such as those over 65, veterans, homeless, or receiving state aid, are eligible for free photo ID.