After voters overwhelmingly supported Proposal 2 in 2022, Senate Democrats passed a historic slate of legislation to uphold and expand voting rights
Voting is a powerful way Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy — especially now, as we are seeing confidence in government and democracy reach historic lows across many parts of the United States. To turn the tide and restore faith, integrity and transparency to the voting process, Michigan has implemented meaningful reforms to expand voting rights and ensure voters can fully participate in their representative government. Through the passage of citizen-initiated ballot proposals and the Senate Democrats’ work to expand access to the ballot box, Michigan has been an exemplary model of how a state can increase public trust in government, elections and democracy. Since the passage and implementation of recent electoral reforms, participation in Michigan elections has been on the rise, particularly among young people and people of color — helping to build a brighter future for our state where all voices are heard.
The Path to Fair, Free and Accessible Elections
During the 2022 election, Michigan voters recognized the importance of voting and delivered a clear mandate by turning out to support the passage of Proposal 2 — a constitutional amendment to expand voting rights — with 60 percent of the vote. After securing the Majority for the first time in 40 years, Senate Democrats immediately took action to codify the proposal into law — increasing access to cast a ballot and implementing safeguards to ensure Michigan elections remain fair, safe and secure.
Alongside Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and colleagues from the Michigan Legislature, Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) announces plans to support election workers and address election security.
Working to protect, uphold and expand voting rights in Michigan, Senate Democrats introduced and passed a historic slate of legislation that will provide Michiganders with greater access to lawfully cast their ballot without unnecessary barriers through new options for early voting and a simplified absent ballot application process, among other things.
These efforts come at a time when other states across the country are trying to make it more difficult for citizens to participate in the electoral process. Here in Michigan, however, Senate Democrats are committed to rebuking anti-democratic policies, instead opting to pass meaningful reforms to ensure all Michiganders — no matter their age, race or socioeconomic status — have a say in who represents them.
“This proposal was approved by 60 percent of Michigan voters last year — a reminder to all of us that as Michigan elections faced some of the most intense scrutiny in the nation over the last couple of years, voting rights remain popular here,” Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “Despite those who push contrived chaos, Michiganders overwhelmingly want to reduce barriers to their ballots and increase access to voting, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Election officials are working to implement these new provisions swiftly and effectively, though many are unable to take effect until 2024. You can stay updated on the implementation of these bills by visiting the Michigan Secretary of State website.
Participation in Michigan Elections Reaches Historic Highs
While all the aspects of Proposal 2 are not fully in place, Michigan has still seen greater voter participation and representation in the state since the implementation of a 2018 citizen-initiated constitutional amendment that began the work to remove barriers to registering and casting a ballot. During the 2022 election, overall voter turnout reached a historic high for a midterm-year. Additionally, young people in Michigan — empowered by increased access to absentee ballots and on-campus polling sites — turned out to vote at a higher rate than anywhere else in the country.
Students line up to vote on Michigan State University's campus during the 2022 midterm elections, contributing to Michigan being named the state with the highest youth voter turnout nationwide. Photo from Bridge Michigan.
Our Majority for the People is looking forward to building upon this momentum — we encourage you to check your voter registration status to make sure it is up to date. Updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than 10 minutes. You can do it online, by mail or in-person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch.
“Voting is one of our most fundamental rights in a functioning democracy. From local school board and city council races to state and federal races — each and every election matters,” said Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “On National Voter Registration Day, I encourage you to register to vote or confirm your registration is up to date, as it is the first step to ensuring you can make your voice heard at the ballot box.”
Building a More Equitable Voting Process for Future Generations
Michigan voters spoke loud and clear when passing Prop 2: they want to protect the freedom to vote. We're introducing the Michigan Voting Rights Act to make it happen. Visit https://t.co/mVrqE33Irj for more information. pic.twitter.com/jyKuUthGWa
— MI Senate Dems (@MISenDems) June 25, 2023
Even after codifying Proposal 2 into law, Senate Democrats recognize this is only the beginning and there is still more work to be done to build a more equitable and accessible electoral process that protects and empowers voters. Up next on the agenda is establishing the Michigan Voting Rights Act to protect against voter suppression, improve access for disabled voters, increase language access and more. Through this work, Senate Democrats hope that the next generations of voters can cast their vote with ease and peace of mind.
Read more from the Michigan Senate Democrats at SenateDems.com/press.