Title
Resolution in Support of Senate Bill 12 to Allow "No Reason" Absentee Voting
Memorandum
Senate Bill 12, sponsored by Senator Liz Brater of Ann Arbor, would amend Michigan Election Law to allow voters to request absentee ballots for "no reason." Currently, any qualified voter in Michigan who requests an absentee ballot must provide a signed application that includes a statutory reason for voting by absentee ballot. The current reasons include:
Over age 60
Absent from the community on Election Day
Physical disability
Religious reasons
Appointed pollworker in a different precinct
Confined to jail awaiting trial
Passage of Senate Bill 12 would allow any voter to request an absentee ballot for any reason. "No Reason AV" would greatly improve access to voting for those voters who aren't able to make it to the polls on election day, but do not qualify for absentee voting under any of the current statutory reasons. "No Reason AV" will also serve as a convenient alternative to election day in-person voting and further encourage voter participation in the democratic process.
"No Reason AV" is supported by the Michigan Municipal League and the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks. Staff is recommending support of this resolution.
Staff
Prepared by: Jacqueline Beaudry, City Clerk
Reviewed and Approved by: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Michigan Election Law currently requires that any registered elector who requests an absentee ballot must provide one of six statutory reasons for voting absentee in order to obtain an absentee ballot;
Whereas, “No Reason AV” would allow qualified voters to request absentee ballots for any reason or without providing a specific reason;
Whereas, "No Reason AV" would encourage greater voter participation in local elections allowing all qualified voters the option of marking and returning their ballot in advance of election day if desired;
Whereas, SB 12, introduced by Senator Liz Brater of Ann Arbor, would...
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