LANSING – In a move to increase voter participation and ensure that more residents have the opportunity to hold their lawmakers accountable, State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) today supported a plan to allow any Michigan resident to vote by absentee ballot.
"In these tough economic times, our residents are working harder than ever to make ends meet and it can be challenging for them to make it to the polls – especially those who work long days, commute long distances or work more than one job," Valentine said. "By making absentee voting available to all Michigan residents we can ensure that all of our residents' voices are heard. As a Legislator, it is my duty to make sure every eligible resident who wants to vote can do so."
The plan passed by the House today will allow anyone to obtain an absentee voter ballot without giving a reason. The plan now heads to the Senate.
Currently, the only people allowed to vote by absentee ballot are those who expect to be absent from the community in which they are registered on Election Day, those who are physically unable to make it to the polls without assistance, those who cannot make it to the polls due to their religious beliefs, those who have been appointed election precinct inspector in a precinct other than their home precinct, those who are age 60 or older, or those who are incarcerated awaiting trial or arraignment.
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.
"Our democracy is dependent on our residents and their willingness to vote," Valentine said. "The best way to help move Michigan forward is to take a stand and vote. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to pass this plan as soon as possible."