(The Center Square) – Four bills aimed at voting that passed the Michigan House continues to get pushback from Republicans who say they will corrupt the state’s election system.
The bills, introduced earlier this week, are aimed at military voting, voter ID, voter transportation and online absentee ballot access. Rep. Josh Schriver, R-Oxford, took to social media to voice his opposition to each of them.
“As a state representative, I will not only vote no on this bill designed to corrupt Michigan’s election systems, I will work tooth and nail to lead others to do the same, so help me God!” Schriver tweeted.
The bills were all sponsored by Democrats. The initiative signified an expansion of Prop 2, the constitutional amendment signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, which passed in July 2023 protecting absentee voting.
HB 4210, sponsored by Rep. Carol Glanville, D-Walker, allows for deployed military and spouses to submit absentee ballots electronically.
HB 4567, sponsored by Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou, D-East Lansing, amends ballot challenge requirements relating to voter identification.
HB 4568, sponsored by Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Whitsett, allows for private transportation assistance to the polls. While some argue it expands voter accessibility, others say it could be subverted into voter intimidation.
HB 4570, sponsored by Rep. Julie Rogers, D-Kalamazoo, requires the Michigan Secretary of State to maintain an online application portal to request an absentee ballot.
“The bills passed today will ensure those serving our nation in uniform and their spouses can vote more easily, help seniors get to the polls, and require the creation of a website that allows voters to request their absentee ballot easily and securely,” Whitmer said. “I applaud the passage of legislation that makes it easier for Michiganders to safely and securely exercise their constitutional right to vote.”
The bills now move to the Senate.
