Bills to punish anyone who tries to use other people’s personal information to get and return absentee ballots are under discussion at the state Capitol.
The COVID-19 pandemic is driving many Michiganders to take advantage of state laws giving more access to absentee ballots. The August primary saw a record number of absentee ballots cast.
State Representative Ann Bollin (R-Brighton) says additional penalties would be another tool in the toolbox to insure voter confidence.
“At a time when we are inundated with noise about our elections, especially absentee and mail-in voting, these bills will serve as a deterrent for potential shenanigans in our election process,” says Bollin.
The bills received a hearing before the state House Elections and Ethics committee earlier this week. The committee will take up the legislation again next week.
But time is short before the general election.
It’s not clear whether the Legislature will enact any of the bills in time for November’s vote.
Want to support reporting like this? Consider making a gift to Michigan Radio today.
