Democratic Students at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University have Filed a Federal Lawsuit against Republican Secretary of State, Ruth Johnson, over a State Election Law that Requires Voters to Register at the Address on their Driver's License, even if that Address doesn't Match their Residence at School. The Law also Requires those who Register by Mail or through a Third-Party Voter Registration drive to Cast their First Ballot In-Person instead of by Absentee.
These Measures effectively Force In-State Students to either take Extra Time to Update their Licenses or Travel Home on Election Day to Vote. Furthermore, Students are Disproportionately likely to Register through the Mail or Campus Registration Drives. Consequently, the Combination of these Two Provisions appears to be Unconstitutional, since the Supreme Court Ruled in a 1979 Case that College Students have the Right to Vote at their School or at their Parents' Permanent Address.
Particularly telling is the Partisan Self-Interest on the Part the Law's Author. In 1999, then State Sen. Mike Rogers and his fellow Republicans Passed this Law, even though the Plaintiffs contend that Lawmakers were well Aware of the Problems it would cause for Student Voters. Yet after Enacting the Measure, Rogers ran for Congress in a swingy Democratic-held House District, home to the State Capital of Lansing, and Michigan State University, which at the time, Enrolled more than 43,000 Students, 90% of whom were from Michigan. Rogers Won by just 111 Votes over His Democratic rival that year, meaning his own Voter Suppression Law may have very well made the Difference.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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