Michigan Lawmakers Put Voters First With Election Legislation During 2023 Session

Michigan legislators championed improving voter access, strengthening election administration, protecting against election interference

LANSING, Mich. – As Michigan’s 2023 legislative session comes to a close, Secure Democracy USA congratulates Michigan legislators, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer on a successful year strengthening Michigan’s election laws by prioritizing common sense solutions to improve voter access and election security.

Statement from Secure Democracy USA Director of Advocacy Diego Echeverri:

“Michigan voters were the clear winners as common sense election policy was prioritized in the 2023 legislative session. Michigan is now a leader in strengthening voter access, building confidence in elections, and ensuring secure election administration. A productive 2023 legislative session that prioritized voters and nonpartisan election administration means Michigan voters will have more access and transparency – and Michigan administrators will have more support – in 2024 and beyond.”

Secure Democracy USA urges Governor Whitmer to sign the following bills into law:

  • House Bills 4983 – 4986: Bills that strengthen and clarify automatic voter registration
  • House Bill 4569: Allows eligible 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote
  • Senate Bill 529: Brings Michigan into compliance with the federal Electoral Count Reform Act and clarifies the presidential elector certification process
  • Senate Bill 590: Establishes a clear procedure for presidential candidates to seek a judicial review of election results
  • Senate Bill 591: Clarifies who may contest the outcome of a given election, preventing frivolous lawsuits

Secure Democracy USA also applauds Governor Whitmer for already signing a series of strong election bills throughout 2023:

  • The Promote the Vote legislative package, which includes in-person early voting, a signature cure process for absentee ballots and ballot applications, ballot tracking, increased security for drop boxes, early processing for absentee ballots, and other reforms.
  • House Bill 4568: Eliminates the ban on hiring transportation to take voters to the polls