(The Center Square) – Michigan voters would need to provide extensive documentation when showing up to the polls in order for their vote to be immediately counted if a newly introduced state senate bill becomes law.
Senate Bill 1034, sponsored by state Sen. Jonathan Lindsey, R-Allen, would require Michiganders to present both proof of identity and proof of residency when signing an affidavit to receive a ballot at polling locations.
“It is paramount that we strengthen voter identification laws and protect our election integrity,” Lindsey said Tuesday. “Confidence in our elections among the public is reaching new lows, and rightfully so. We need to get off of this dangerous path and work on initiatives that help restore the faith of the people in our elections.”
If a voter is unable to provide personal identification and proof of state residency documents at the polls, the person would still be allowed to vote, but would fill out a provisional ballot that would not be tabulated until after the election and once clerks verify the voter’s identity.
The bill says a document showing proof of identity could be a certified copy of a birth certificate, a Michigan driver’s education certificate, or a marriage license, divorce decree, adoption record or military discharge issued in the United States.
A document proving state residency could include a Michigan title and registration; a current mortgage, lease, or rental agreement; or a bank account statement, utility bill, credit card bill, pay stub, insurance policy, or Michigan school report card issued within the last 90 days.
“We cannot continue to gut election laws and promote systematic change that would destroy fair and free elections in Michigan,” Lindsey said. “This would be an excellent first step toward making Michigan elections more secure.”
It’s unlikely the bill would pass before the November election.
