Image by Felipe Blasco from Pixabay
LANSING – The Michigan Board of State Canvassers met and approved the petition summary and conditionally approved the petition form for Promote the Vote 2022’s pro-voter ballot initiative, clearing the way for the campaign to begin collecting signatures. The initiative is intended to improve access and security for Michigan elections.
The ballot initiative would provide a week of early voting, public funding for postage for absentee ballots, secure drop boxes and ballot tracking, as well as additional time for military and voters who are overseas to return their absentee ballots. It would also allow voters to request absentee ballots for all future elections.
In addition, if adopted, the amendment would declare that once the results are certified by the Michigan Board of State Canvassers, they would be considered final. State legislature will not play a role in certification of the vote.
If adopted, the amendment would prohibit political parties from becoming involved in post election audits, as well.
Organizations across state are applauding the approval of Promote the Vote 2022 ballot initiative.
“The Promote the Vote 2022 ballot initiative will improve the accessibility and security of Michigan’s elections by providing voters with more secure options for casting their ballots,” said Christina Schlitt, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Michigan.
“The League of Women Voters will support the advancement of this initiative now that the Board of State Canvassers has given its formal approval,” Schlitt added. “We know Michigan voters want more secure and accessible elections, and this ballot initiative provides those two important measures for ensuring all eligible voters can participate.” “
“We are excited that the Board of Canvassers approved the petition and summary for Promote the Vote 2022,“ said Khalilah Spencer, board president of Promote the Vote. “And we’re looking forward to engaging directly with Michigan voters about our proposed common-sense voting reforms geared at moving Michigan forward.”
“More than anything else, Michigan voters want to know that their vote is counted, and their voice is heard,” said Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians. “We have hundreds of volunteers ready to hit the pavement, talk to voters, collect signatures and give voters the opportunity to vote for Promote the Vote 2022 in November.”
B y July 11, 425,000 valid signatures on petitions will be required in order for the proposal to get on the November 2022 ballot.
