Insider Intelligence

Casting a ballot in Michigan just became easier now that all voters can request an absentee ballot.  The next election scheduled is May 7, 2019, and those voters wanting to avoid lines and outdated voting machines can begin requesting an absentee ballot – and don’t need to have a special reason for doing so. For years, […]

In order to implement Proposal 3 of 2018, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson convened the Election Modernization Advisory Committee. Passed last November, Proposal 3 make significant changes to the state’s election laws, including the establishing no-reason absentee voting, automatic voter registration, and the ability to register up to and on Election Day. The advisory committee […]

This week the Senate move forward with legislation that would amend two of the citizens’ initiatives passed by Michigan’s voters in last month’s general election. “Although they were voted into law by residents on the ballot, the legislature can follow their process to amend the law; needing a majority approval in both chambers and the […]

This week, the Michigan House unanimously passed two bills making changes to the state’s voter registration system. Introduced by Representative Julie Calley (R-Portland) and Representative Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills), the legislation allows people who are qualified to vote in Michigan to register to vote online if they already have a valid Michigan’s driver’s license or […]

This week, the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that the option for straight ticket voting cannot be on Michigan’s general election ballot this November. By a vote of 2-1, the Judges granted a request by Secretary of State Ruth Johnson to stay the ruling of the U.S. District Court which found Michigan’s law banning straight […]

In 2015, the Michigan legislature passed, and Governor Rick Snyder signed, legislation ending straight ticket voting in Michigan. “Almost immediately after being signed into law, challengers took their objections to the court. They were partially successfully when an injunction was put on the law stopping it from being implemented,” explained Rudy Hobbs of MLC. Following […]

You may have heard a little something about Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Law in the news. We’ll explain why, but first let’s dig into that law and what it’s about.

Last Tuesday, new voting equipment was put to the test during local elections held throughout the state.  In all, sixty-three jurisdictions in the state used the new equipment last week.  Many local clerks expressed their pleasure with the new equipment and stated election day went off without a hitch.   The new system uses digital optical […]