State Rep. Ann Bollin, of Brighton Township, today said the current situation with Michigan’s Democratic primary is a perfect example of why Michigan should not adopt a proposal introduced by House Democrats. If enacted, House Bill 5435 would allow absentee ballots to be processed seven days before an election. Bollin’s statement:

“Election results are too important to compromise in favor of instantaneous results. It’s better to make sure everyone has an opportunity to cast a vote that matters than to be fast.

“When Michigan’s presidential primary ballots went to print there were 15 Democrats running. Now, the field has narrowed to five. Allowing the early processing of absentee ballots – as the Secretary of State has proposed – would take away the ability for voters to spoil their ballots and cast a new vote for one of the candidates who remain in the race. Anyone who voted for a candidate who has since dropped out would be totally out of luck.

“Fortunately, spoiling your ballot remains an option in Michigan because we have not adopted early voting or early AV ballot processing. Anyone who has found themselves in this situation can submit a written request to their local clerk to spoil their ballot and request a new one. I encourage everyone to get out and exercise their right to vote in Michigan’s upcoming presidential primary on March 10.”

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