LANSING, Mich. — Yesterday, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in favor of allowing Promote the Vote 2022 (of which Common Cause Michigan is a supporter) on the upcoming general election ballot.

The case and ruling followed a deadlock in the Michigan Board of State Canvassers after members of the board questioned how the language of the petition would affect the state constitution.

If passed, the ballot measure would lead to statewide voting reform, including:

• Recognizing the fundamental right to vote without harassing conduct;
• Requiring military or overseas ballots to be counted if postmarked by Election Day;
• Providing voters the right to verify identity with photo ID or signed statement;
• Requiring state-funded absentee-ballot drop boxes, and postage for absentee applications and ballots;
• Providing that only election officials may conduct post-election audits; and
• Require nine days of early in-person voting.

Statement of Quentin Turner, Common Cause Michigan Program Director 

“Today marks the next step for voting reform and our fight to make voting accessible for all in Michigan. 

Michiganders deserve the right to constitutionally protected and expanded equal access at the ballot. As a clear non-partisan issue, Promote the Vote 2022 shouldn’t have been obstructed by the stalling tactics of  the Board of State Canvassers. While we are thankful for the Supreme Court’s decision to allow PTV 2022 on the ballot this coming November, it is also critical that the board uses the Supreme Court’s decision to resolve future issues in the ballot measure approval process.

We are determined to ensure our elections are safe, secure, and free for everyone, regardless of political party. Getting Promote the Vote on the ballot is the first step.”

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