Common Cause Michigan Issues Statement After State Supreme Court Rules Against GOP Gubernatorial Candidates’ Appeal to Remain on Primary Ballot

Earlier this morning, Michigan Democrats introduced a nine-bill package of pro-voter bills that protect the freedom to vote. The bills will help ensure Michiganders are informed about their voting rights, have options for how they cast their ballot, and provide election clerks with the tools to ensure our elections continue to run smoothly.

Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed amended versions of SB 303 and SB 304, legislation that would have made it more difficult for voters to cast a ballot on Election Day and to have their vote be counted. The bills were passed on a strictly partisan basis.

Over 100 Michiganders joined Common Cause Michigan, the Sierra Club, Community Alliance for the People, Detroit Disability Power, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for a digital event highlighting the importance of protecting voting rights in Michigan and the country.

"The reforms in the 'For the People Act' are overwhelmingly popular across the political spectrum," said Quentin Turner, Program Director of Common Cause Michigan. "The bill draws from policies that have long had bipartisan support at both federal and state levels, including Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission."

These bills do nothing but increase barriers for voters to be heard by their government, particularly for seniors, the homeless, students, and low-income voters. These voter suppression bills are a solution in search of a problem that does not exist and only create more confusion and distrust among voters. We urge the full House to swiftly reject this attack on our voting rights.