FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022
CONTACT: Stephanie Cepak, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, scepak@byrumfisk.com
Michigan Republicans support Proposal 2
Ballot initiative will enshrine Michigan’s effective voter ID law into state Constitution
Lansing, Mich. – Several Michigan Republicans today announced their support for the bipartisan campaign behind Proposal 2, a ballot initiative that would enshrine the state’s effective voter ID law into Michigan’s Constitution while ensuring military voters living overseas have their ballots counted.
They join a strong coalition of endorsers, including the Detroit Regional Chamber, noted business leaders, Michigan’s largest labor unions, the League of Women Voters, Voters Not Politicians and the Promote the Vote coalition in calling on voters to vote ‘Yes’ on Proposal 2.
“Proposal 2 is a commonsense plan to enhance election integrity in Michigan while ensuring that every eligible voter is guaranteed their constitutional right to vote,” said former Congressman Joe Schwarz (Battle Creek). “As a proud American who cares deeply about secure elections, I am pleased that Proposal 2 enshrines Michigan’s effective voter identification rules and requires canvass boards to certify election results based only on the official records of votes cast. I’m voting ‘yes’ for Proposal 2 and encourage all Michiganders – Republicans, Democrats and independents – to vote ‘yes,’ too.”
Schwarz was joined by former state representatives: Dave Maturen (Vicksburg), William Byl (Grand Rapids), Jon Jellema (Grand Haven), Mickey Knight (Muskegon), and Bill Bobier (Hesparia). Former Michigan Republican Party State Committeeman and Congressional District Party Chair Field Reichardt and former Michigan Republican Party Executive Director Jeff Timmer have also endorsed Proposal 2.
“I am voting for Proposal 2 because it makes voting more accessible to older people, students, and people with transportation difficulties, but guarantees that only those who are eligible to vote can do so,” said Reichardt.
“With Proposal 2, Michiganders can be confident that every eligible voter gets the opportunity to vote and that their votes will be accurately counted,” said Timmer, also a former Republican appointee to the Board of State Canvassers. “Right now, Michiganders’ fundamental right to vote is not guaranteed in our Constitution and active duty servicemembers defending Michiganders’ freedoms overseas who mail their ballots close to Election Day don’t always get their votes counted, and that’s just not right. Proposal 2 helps ensure that Michiganders in uniform serving abroad will always have their votes counted and their voices heard.”
“Every eligible voter in Michigan deserves to have their votes accurately and properly counted, no matter where they live, what their background and who they support,” said Byl. “Proposal 2 isn’t just good for our democracy and our freedom to vote. It will enhance integrity and strengthen public confidence in our elections.”
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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