Michigan lawmakers and election officials are racing to implement the changes from last year's successful Proposal 2 constitutional amendment in time for May's special elections.
Prop 2, or Promote the Vote 2022, passed with 59.99% of the vote in the November midterm, writing into Michigan's constitution election law changes that advocates said would make it easier for people to vote.
Now, election officials are trying to figure out how to implement the long list of varying changes Prop 2 brings to the state. Leading the charge is the state's top election officer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who advocated for many of the changes included in Prop 2.
"The bottom line is if we all work together as a state, as a government, as a community, we can ensure that our very successful, secure, accessible election system here in Michigan continues to expand and expand to meet all of these new provisions," she said.
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The plan to ensure the state's election system expands comes in three parts, according to Benson:
- Working with the legislature on policy changes and funding
- Working with clerks to implement changes
- Educating voters about changes, including allowing them to sign up to be automatically sent absentee ballots for every election
One of Prop 2's changes will be expanding 'Election Day' from one day to ten, as the state will now be required to provide nine days of early, in-person voting. That increased voting availability will require more workers to make sure things run smoothly and securely.
Benson estimated clerks will need to hire from 5,000-10,000 poll workers, potentially more, to fill the need. She said her office would be launching and boosting its recruitment program for poll workers in order to hire enough staff for the expanded elections.
Prop 2 also expands absentee voting access, including requiring state-funded absentee ballot drop boxes and postage for absentee ballots and ballot applications. The amendment also allows voters to be able to verify their identity through the use of photo ID or a signed statement.
House Elections Committee chair Penelope Tsernoglou, D-East Lansing, said she is working to put those changes in place before special elections across the state in May. Tsernoglou said she believes the changes will be in place by May.
"If it doesn't happen, it would be due to outside forces," she said. "I'm working really hard to get all of the legislation drafted and in front of my committee as soon as possible."
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The price tag for the funding needed to implement Prop 2 is a minimum of $40 million, Benson said.
She estimated $10-15 million would be needed for start-up costs, with annual funding needs around $20-25 million for staff, drop box security, postage, and more.
Benson has created an election policy workgroup within the Department of State comprised of election officials, lawmakers, stakeholders, and advocates, which she said will collaborate on the changes needed to abide by the state's new constitution.
"Because, as a community, we're all in this together," Benson said.
The Michigan Legislature, which currently has a slim Democratic majority in both chambers, will have to approve any funding for Prop 2's changes.
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