MI Gov. Vetoes Three Voter ID Bills

Michigan Govenor, Gretchen Whitmer (D), Vetoed Three Bills Friday, aimed at Tightening Voter ID Laws in the highly Competitive State.

Whitmer said the Trio of GOP-backed Bills would have made it Harder for People, without State IDs to Vote, in the Elections, and that they largely affected People of Color.

“These bills would disproportionately harm communities of color. ... Non-white voters were about five times more likely to lack access to ID on election day than white voters,” Whitmer wrote in a Letter to the State Senate Friday. “Voter restrictions that produce such a racially disparate impact must never become law in this state.”

The First Bill, Senate Bill 303, would Eliminate the Option for those without Identification to Submit an Affidavit to Vote.

The Second Bill, Senate Bill 304, would Require Voters who used Provisional Ballots, to establish their Identification within Six days. In Michigan, more than 11,400 People Voted via Provisional Ballot in the 2020 Election.

The Third Bill, House Bill 5007, would have Eliminated certain Fees related to obtaining an ID Card, including the $10 Fee for Replacing a Missing Card or Renewing their Cards. This Fee is already Waived for the Elderly and those on Welfare, and Disability. The Bill would result in a Loss of Revenue Collections for the Department of State estimated of $2.5 Million Annually.

While Republicans hoped the New Bills would Restore Trust in the Electoral Process, Democrats agreed with the Governor that the New Bills would Harm Certain Demographics.

“These bills are out of step with what we know Michigan voters want, a voting system that works for everyone,” Sharon Dolente, a Senior Adviser for the Liberal Ballot Committee, Promote the Vote, said. “Michigan law already requires voters to verify their identity prior to voting. These bills would impose a radically restrictive identity verification scheme rejected by 42 states.”

A Ballot Committee called "Secure MI Vote" is Circulating Petitions to Bypass Whitmer. If the Petitions receive 340,000 Valid Signatures by the End of Six months, then the Bills can be Enacted by the GOP-controlled State Legislature despite the Governor's Vetoes.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker