Wayne County Commissioners today approved a pair of resolutions proposed by Commissioner Jonathan C. Kinloch (D-Detroit) supporting efforts to expand voting access and opposing a proposed ballot proposal that would essentially repeal a 2018 voter-approved initiative that reduced restrictions, specifically regarding absentee voting.
“This sends a message that we stand up for access to the ballot box,” Kinloch said.
Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit) noted that Michigan is among the states that is considering, or has passed, measures restricting access to absentee ballots and ballot drop boxes, among other methods the commission has endorsed to expand voting access.
The first resolution specifically supports the Advancing the Vote, Protecting Democracy agenda proposed by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The second opposes while the second opposes a ballot proposal currently under consideration that would not only overturn the 2018 initiative but prevent the governor from vetoing any new voter access restrictions.
The vote on each resolution was 14-1, with Commissioner Terry Marecki (R-Livonia) casting the lone no vote in each instance.
Copies of each resolution will be sent to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the county’s delegation in the Michigan Legislature.
The full text of the resolutions is included below.
RESOLUTION
By Commissioner Kinloch
WHEREAS, free and fair access to voting and participation in our democracy is fundamental to creating an equitable system of governance; and
WHEREAS, earlier this year, the Michigan Secretary of State unveiled a legislative agenda, “Advancing the Vote, Protecting Democracy,” which seeks to protect access to voting and preserve fair elections; and
WHEREAS, the “Advancing the Vote, Protecting Democracy” agenda would require absentee ballot applications be mailed to registered voters every election cycle, mandate ballots postmarked by Election Day and received shortly after be counted, establish early in-person voting, require translated election materials in significant non-English-speaking communities, provide funds to ensure voting locations are Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, allow the processing of absentee ballots two weeks prior to Election Day, improve poll worker recruitment programs and ensure sufficient funding of elections; and WHEREAS, “Advancing the Vote, Protecting Democracy” promotes increased access to ballot drop boxes, which were highly effective in promoting increased voter turnout in communities across Michigan in 2020; and
WHEREAS, in recent months, state legislators across the country have introduced dozens of bills that essentially restrict voting, make election administration less equitable and efficient, and undermine existing laws that maintain election safety and security; and
WHEREAS, restricting voting rights and harming election administration is harmful to all communities, but disproportionately harms communities of color and lower-income communities.
Now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission on this 16th day of September, 2021 vehemently supports the “Advancing the Vote, Protecting Democracy” legislative agenda and urges Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature to immediately act to support the “Advancing the Vote, Protecting Democracy” agenda and any similar campaigns that preserve democracy, access, integrity and security in Michigan elections; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission opposes all legislation or other efforts that seek to restrict voting rights, access to the ballot and harm election administration; and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and the Wayne County delegation in the Michigan Legislature.
RESOLUTION
By Commissioner Kinloch
WHEREAS, the foundation of any sound democracy is providing secure, equitable and accessible elections that give a voice to all citizens; and WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority of Wayne County and Michigan voters passed a constitutional amendment to expand voting access in Michigan in 2018; and
WHEREAS, the passing of the 2018 constitutional amendment restored straight-ticket voting; authorized automatic voter registration through the Secretary of State’s Office unless a citizen declines; allowed citizens to vote at any time with at least proof of residency; and, most notably, permitted registered voters to access absentee ballots for any reason; and
WHEREAS, there is an impending attempt to overturn the will of the voters by codifying a petition and ballot initiative into law with the collection of signatures from only 3.4% of Michigan’s population; and
WHEREAS, the proposed petition aims to create laws that repeal voters’ right to sign an affidavit and cast their vote if they forget their photo ID on Election Day, prohibit the Secretary of State or local clerks from proactively sending voter absentee ballot applications, require driver’s license numbers or state ID numbers or Social Security numbers to obtain an absentee ballot, and prohibit nonpartisan groups from making election administration grants; and WHEREAS, efforts to restrict access to the ballot disproportionately harm communities of color and lower-income communities. All citizens deserve free and equitable access to voting and participation in our democratic process.
Now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission on this 16th day of September, 2021 urges Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature to support free and equitable access to the ballot for all Wayne County and Michigan eligible voters, and to enact laws that expand voter rights and access to elections; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission opposes the proposed petition and ballot initiative; and be it further RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and the Wayne County delegation in the Michigan Legislature.
