LANSING – In a move to enable more Michigan residents to exercise their constitutional right to vote and to reduce problems at the polls, State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City) joined the State House of Representatives on Thursday in passing a plan to allow voters to cast their ballots on the Friday, Saturday and Monday before Election Day.
"We all lead busy lives and because of work, family and other obligations, many Michigan voters simply cannot make it to the polls during the limited time provided," Mayes said. "It is imperative that we make this important right as trouble-free as possible. By giving Michigan residents an increased opportunity to vote we will show that our great state truly values the opinion of our residents."
The plan will require municipalities to open at least one polling place for at least eight hours on the Friday, Saturday and Monday immediately preceding Election Day. The sites would be designated by the city, township or village clerk, and all usual laws pertaining to Election Day, including the mandatory presence of least one inspector, would apply.
Michigan's neighbors – Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin – are among the 31 states that already allow some form of early voting, whether in person or by mail, and consistently report higher voter turn out than states that do not allow early voting.
"Many Michigan residents stood in long lines on Nov. 4 to exercise their most important right as American citizens," Mayes said. "By allowing more residents to vote in advance, we can help shorten Election Day lines and increase the number of people who participate in this important process."