The Michigan House of Representatives Votes on Secure and Fair Elections Initiative

By Cindy Denby

The weather is finally starting to warm up and as spring arrives, we are extremely busy in the state Legislature. In addition to regular committee work, budget season is upon us and we're working to complete it before June 1 again this year. With our busy spring schedule, it's often hard to be at local events in the district. That makes me appreciate visitors to Lansing even more.

This week youth agencies from across the state visited the Capitol, including Connection Youth Services from Howell. Having the opportunity to meet with local constituents and learn about issues they are facing helps me better represent them. This week also was agriculture day at the Capitol. We were fortunate to have agriculture producers from across the state on site to showcase their Michigan-made products. It's always a pleasure to see first-hand the valuable products that are made right here in our state and I enjoyed meeting with these individuals this week.

This week on the House floor, we voted on legislation that aims to add greater integrity to Michigan's election laws by eliminating fraud and confusion that can occur. The effort, supported by Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, is known as the Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) Initiative. It includes proposals to reform campaign finance laws, create new election policies and utilize expanded technologies in future elections.

Bills approved this week on the House floor call for a more transparent political petition process. There has been confusion in recent years about when it's acceptable to collect signatures for a ballot proposal effort and these bills clear up that confusion. House Bill 5063 requires petition language to be approved prior to collecting signatures. Making this change will clarify guidelines for future petition drives. This legislation only applies to future petition drives, not those already underway, as that would create confusion.

Other legislation within the SAFE Initiative approved this week makes misuse of campaign funds a criminal act and requires additional campaign finance reporting requirements to increase transparency in elections. 

I am supportive of stronger election laws to make sure voters have all the opportunities possible to utilize their right to vote. I voted in favor of these proposals and look forward to looking into additional election reforms in the near future. 

If you have any questions or need assistance with any state issues, please contact me toll free at 866-828-4863 or via e-mail at cindydenby@house.mi.gov.