LANSING – In a move to increase voter participation and ensure that more residents have the opportunity to hold their lawmakers accountable, State Representatives Dian Slavens (D-Canton) and Deb Kennedy (D-Brownstown) today voted for a plan to allow any Michigan resident to vote by absentee ballot.
"Voting is an inalienable right that is guaranteed to all law-abiding Michigan residents," Kennedy said. "In these times of great uncertainty, it is more important than ever to ensure that Michigan's hard-working men and women have the opportunity to make their voices heard. This plan will help residents who can't make it to the polls participate in the democratic process."
Under the plan passed today, any Michigan resident will be allowed to vote by absentee ballot without giving a reason. In addition, voters will be able to request an absentee ballot in person, or by mail, fax or e-mail. Similar legislation passed the House in 2007, but was blocked by the Senate.
Twenty-eight states have already adopted measures that make it easier to vote by absentee ballot. Four states – Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada and West Virginia – even pay the return postage for absentee ballots.
Currently, Michigan residents are only allowed to vote by absentee ballot if they expect to be absent from the community in which they are registered on Election Day, are physically unable to make it to the polls without assistance, cannot make it to the polls due to their religious beliefs, have been appointed election precinct inspector in a precinct other than their home precinct, are age 60 or older, or who are incarcerated awaiting trial or arraignment.
"Denying citizens the right to vote goes against the core principles our nation was founded on," Slavens said. "We cannot allow our citizens to be disenfranchised simply because they are physically unable to make it to the polls. Michigan is better than that and it's time we stand up for the rights of our residents."