Republicans drop plans to require residents to mail a photocopy of their ID to apply for an absentee ballot. But they’d still have to give up some personal information to qualify.
Michigan Secretary of State
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan GOP would allow video of vote counts. Critics call that intimidation.
Republicans want to increase confidence in elections by allowing partisans to take video and broadcast vote counting. Some fear that make it impossible to work — and could expose private information.
Posted inMichigan Government
GOP targets no-ID ballots to cut fraud. Only 0.2% voted that way in Michigan.
New records show 11,417 Michiganders voted without ID in November. Contrary to popular belief, they weren’t all in Democratic counties — and in almost all communities, no-ID ballots represented less than 1 percent of votes.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Michigan Secretary of State changes make service more convenient
Jocelyn Benson writes that moving services largely online has improved customer service and satisfaction, but lawmakers need to work with her on more improvements.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan GOP relaxes ballot drop box reform. Critics say plan is still unfair
A Republican reform would lock boxes at 5 p.m. on Election Day, rather than the day before. Clerks say that could make it hard to vote and create long lines.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan has 1,100 voter drop boxes. GOP plan would lock them early.
Local officials in hundreds of Michigan communities installed more than 1,100 absentee ballot drop boxes last year, state data shows. Election officials say new regulations proposed by Senate Republicans threaten to limit the popular option in future elections.
Posted inMichigan Government
Renewing plates, licenses in Michigan can take months, despite promises
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said she’d end long waits. Two years later, it can take three months just to get an appointment in some branches.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan redistricting group hires attorney over GOP objections
A citizens group charged with taking the politics out of the redistricting process draws fire because an adviser donated to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
Posted inMichigan Government
Weiser: ‘I won’t be canceled,’ after U-M regents call for his resignation
“I pledge to be part of a respectful dialogue going forward and challenge my colleagues and others to do the same,” Regent Ron Weiser said at a board meeting Friday. The group censured his harsh words about Democratic and GOP leaders.
Posted inMichigan Government
U-M regents weigh censure vote on Ron Weiser over 'witch' comments
A vote to censure is one of the few actions the body can take, since members are elected. Weiser’s comments have renewed debate over a longstanding culture of misogyny in state political circles.