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Benson launches "Ready for November" Interview Series with discussion of election law updates needed from Legislature

Bill sponsors Sen. Moss, Reps. Guerra and Rabhi help underscore urgency

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today released the first in a series of “Ready for November” video interviews with special guests that will explore issues of importance to Michigan voters in the lead-up to the Nov. 3 general election.

In the inaugural episode, Benson welcomed bill sponsors Senator Jeremy Moss, Representative Vanessa Guerra and Representative Yousef Rabhi for a discussion of several legislative changes that are needed to better position the state of Michigan to successfully meet the challenges of an election that is expected to set records for turnout and absentee ballots cast.

The proposed legislative changes include:

  • Allowing clerks to begin processing absent voter ballots prior to Election Day (SB 757, HB 5435)
  • Requiring clerks to contact any voter who submits an absentee ballot without a matching signature (HB 5991)
  • Requiring ballots to be counted if placed in the mail by Election Day, even if those ballots arrive after Election Day (HB 5987)
  • Enabling the safe, secure electronic return of military and overseas ballots (SB 117)
  • Requiring employers to provide paid time off for employees to vote (SB 1029, HB 6000)

The changes would improve the elections process for voters and clerks, would protect the system from being pushed beyond its limits and would help ensure that every vote is counted, Benson said.

“Michigan citizens can involve themselves on these issues by contacting your legislators and legislative leaders to let them know that you want these measures passed.” she said. “Indeed, that is the only thing that has really moved legislation like this before—when voters demand it.”

Videos of the interviews in the Ready for November series will be shared on the department’s social media accounts and archived on the department’s informational webpage for the Nov. 3 election.

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