FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 20, 2005 Contact: Rep. Steve Tobocman(517) 373-0823
Contact: Rep. Gabe Leland
(517) 373-6990
Contact: Rep. Marsha Cheeks
(517) 373-0844
Contact: Rep. George Cushingberry
(517) 373-2276
LANSING - State Representatives Steve Tobocman (D-Detroit), Gabe Leland (D-Detroit), Marsha Cheeks (D-Detroit) and George Cushingberry (D-Detroit) today denounced a Republican-sponsored bill that will impose new photo ID requirements on certain voters.
"A lot of our residents have a moral or a religious objection to having their picture taken," Tobocman said. "This measure makes no provision to allow them to take advantage of early voting. We're fighting to expand voter rights. We want all citizens to have equal, unfettered access to the democratic process."
HB 4569 would allow "early voting" up to seven days before an election, but only for those persons who can get to their local clerk's office during regular office hours, who present a driver's license or state identification card, and who then sign an affidavit under threat of criminal penalty. Michigan voters can currently cast an absentee ballot before an election without presenting a photo ID.
"Early voting" typically refers to a system by which voters are allowed to cast ballots during a window of time leading up to Election Day. The main difference between early voting and no reason absentee voting is that early voting typically requires the voter to vote in person at a designated place, whereas absentee ballots can be mailed. House Bill 4569 would be more restrictive than "early voting" models existing in other states.
House Bill 4569 purports to expand voting opportunities, but its specific provisions ensure that the bill's "early voting" plan will be made available only to certain segments of voters around the state. This, Democrats say, raises serious issues of fairness and constitutionality.
"It is paramount that the Legislature put forth a diligent effort to make the voting process more accessible for all Michigan citizens," Rep. Cheeks said. "Instead, the Republicans continue to seek every opportunity to hamper voting and make the process more strenuous."
The new requirement would hit seniors, persons with disabilities and low-income residents hardest, Rep. Leland said. Seniors who no longer drive often do not have a driver's license, and the inability to obtain a ballot by mail would make voting especially burdensome for those with limited access to transportation or with long work schedules.
"There isn't a problem with voter fraud in our state and the Secretary of State has clearly stated this," Rep. Leland said. "This bill hinders a citizen's right to vote and it is simply unnecessary. Unfortunately, this bill is right in line with a nationwide trend of Republican efforts to disenfranchise certain segments of voters.
"We know that expanding absentee voting increases voter participation," Rep. Leland added. "That's why Democrats want to amend this bill to allow for no-reason absentee voting. We're fighting to expand voter rights. Citizens shouldn't have to sign an affidavit and show a photo ID in order to exercise their right to vote."