Article Summary –
Special elections for two vacant seats in the Michigan house of representatives have returned control to the Democrats, potentially paving the way for renewed legislative efforts to protect voting rights. Previous efforts were stalled after two Democratic lawmakers resigned and the party lost its majority in November 2022. The state has already enacted a constitutional amendment for voting reform and passed a state-level voting rights act, with measures to protect disabled voters, ban voter suppression, and expand the use of translated ballots.
Democrats Regain Control in Michigan, Aim to Bolster Voting Rights
Control of the Michigan house of representatives was regained by the Democrats following special elections for two vacant seats. This restored Democratic trifecta could potentially lead to enhanced voting rights and improved election administration in Michigan.
A drive to formalize voter protections faltered after two Democratic legislators stepped down last November, causing the party to lose the house majority. However, the recent victory of Mai Xiong and Peter Herzberg, representing parts of Detroit and its suburbs, may revitalize these efforts.
In 2022, Michigan residents voted in favor of a constitutional amendment introducing comprehensive election reforms such as early voting, broadening absentee voting, and blocking stringent voter ID laws. The Democrat-led state legislature subsequently passed laws to execute the amendment, designating over $40m to support a measure expanding early and absentee voting, widely adopted by election clerks statewide.
Despite minor setbacks, election offices effectively implemented the nine-day early voting period guaranteed by the new laws. Over a million Michigan residents cast their votes early or absentee before the 27 February presidential primary, a state record. The soaring turnout was attributed to the extended early voting measure by the secretary of state’s office.
During the last legislative session, Michigan lawmakers proposed additional measures to safeguard voting rights, including a state-level voting rights act and a ban on prison gerrymandering. The proposed Michigan voting rights act would enhance protections for disabled voters, prohibit voter suppression, and expand the use of translated ballots. The prison gerrymandering ban would factor in the home addresses of incarcerated Michigan residents for political districting, rather than their prison locations.
Additionally, a legislation banning firearms at polling sites, clerk’s offices, and ballot drop boxes was approved by the state senate in February and might pass the house with its new Democratic majority.
Jamie Lyons-Eddy, executive director of the Michigan-based voting rights organization Voters Not Politicians, acknowledged the significant progress made in Michigan and emphasized the continual barriers faced by historically marginalized communities in exercising their constitutional right to vote.
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