FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022
CONTACT: Stephanie Cepak, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, scepak@byrumfisk.com
County, city and township clerks across Michigan endorse Proposal 2
Ballot initiative will help make voting more secure and accessible for all eligible Michigan voters
Lansing, Mich. – County and local clerks across Michigan today announced their support for Proposal 2, a ballot initiative that will enhance the security and integrity of elections while making voting more accessible for all eligible Michigan voters.
“Those serving in uniform abroad don’t always get their votes counted under the status quo because their ballots sometimes arrive after Election Day,” said Traverse City Clerk Benjamin Marentette. “Proposal 2 helps ensure that active-duty service members defending our freedom and democracy overseas will have their votes counted by providing a reasonable grace period so ballots mailed from overseas are accepted and service members will have their voices heard.”
“As a clerk with over 16 years of experience in administering and overseeing local elections, I strongly support Proposal 2 because will it help ensure we have more secure elections,” said Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope. “Proposal 2 does this by ensuring election results are determined based solely on the votes of Michigan citizens whose identity is verified prior to counting their vote, whether they are voting in person or by mail.”
“Proposal 2 is a commonsense, nonpartisan initiative that can help eligible voters cast their ballots when, how and where they choose, which would benefit voters in Mid-Michigan and across the state who deserve to be heard even as they juggle busy lives and responsibilities,” said Delta Township Clerk Mary R. Clark. “Proposal 2 gives voters more time and more options to cast their ballots through nine days of early in-person voting.”
“Every Michigan voter’s voice must be heard and their votes must be counted. Voters demand and deserve elections they can participate in, without barriers and without harassment,” said Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum. “Proposal 2 will help to ensure that our elections continue to be safe and secure and that every voter can be assured of the results.”
Promote the Vote 2022, the campaign supporting Proposal 2, noted the key provisions of the ballot initiative:
- Recognize the fundamental right to vote without harassing conduct.
- Require military or overseas ballots to be counted if postmarked by Election Day.
- Continue current law that provides voters the right to verify identity with photo ID or signed statement.
- Provide the voter right to a single application to vote absentee in all elections.
- Require state-funded absentee-ballot drop boxes, and postage for absentee applications and ballots.
- Provide that only election officials may conduct post-election audits.
- Require nine days of early in-person voting.
- Allow donations to fund election administration, which must be disclosed.
- Require canvass boards to certify election results based only on the official records of votes cast.
Paid for with regulated funds by Promote the Vote 2022, 600 W. St Joseph Street, Suite 3G, Lansing, MI 48933-2288.
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