Proposal 2 was an amendment to the Michigan Constitution in 2022, and it passed with 60% of the vote. The proposal drew criticism from opponents for its negative impacts on Michigan’s election laws and the influence of national money in funding its campaign with the backing of out-of-state organizations and activists.

After the new constitutional changes took effect, the Democrat majority in 2023 passed laws to implement the proposal, which in practice may weaken safeguards and could open the door to potential voter fraud. Measures such as unmarked ballots printed on-demand at polling centers and the changes in ballot box chain-of-custody are possible new vulnerabilities in the law that could be exploited by individuals seeking to manipulate election outcomes.

Michigan needs to review and strengthen our election laws, ensuring that they strike the right balance between accessibility and security. We should be looking at implementing measures to enhance voter identification requirements, improve voter registration processes, and bolster safeguards against fraud and manipulation. 

House Republicans want greater transparency, oversight, and protections in the election process. Ultimately, increasing election integrity in Michigan demands a commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that every eligible voter can participate in free, fair, and secure elections.

There are a few paths forward.

To improve election integrity, we believe our state laws and constitution need to be strengthened. Laws can be changed, added, or deleted when bills are passed by a majority of the House, a majority of the Senate, and signed by the governor.  If a bill is vetoed, the Legislature can override with at least two-thirds support from each chamber.

The Constitution can be modified by two methods. A proposed amendment can be introduced in either the Michigan House or Senate. Both chambers of the Legislature must pass the resolution by a two-thirds majority vote. The proposed amendment is then placed on the statewide ballot during the next general election. To become part of the constitution, the amendment must be approved by a majority of voters in the election.

Michigan residents may initiate the amendment process through a petition drive. To propose an amendment, supporters must gather sufficient signatures during a 180-day period. The signatures must be equal to at least 10% of the total votes cast for governor in the last gubernatorial election. Once the required number of signatures is collected, the proposed amendment is submitted to the Michigan Secretary of State for verification. If sufficient signatures are confirmed, the proposed amendment is placed on the statewide ballot during the next general election. Just like the legislative initiative method, the popular initiative amendment must be approved by a majority of voters to become part of the constitution.

Here are key proposals that would improve election integrity.

Voter registration should include stringent verification processes.

If a voter registers in a new precinct, their former registration must be removed from the rolls in real time.

Voter rolls must be kept up to date.

In 2022, the governor vetoed House Bills 4127 and 4128.  That plan would have required the Secretary of State to remove voters with no birthdate on record, as well as those who have not voted since 2000 if they continued to be inactive voters and did respond to mailed attempts to reach them.

Elections should never be funded by special interest groups.

Those who administer our elections should not feel beholden to anyone but the voters.

Training is essential to election workers and challengers.

Substantial changes have been made in the last two years, and poll workers need detailed and timely guidance.

Mass mailings of unsolicited ballot applications must be stopped.

It is most efficient when only those who request ballot applications receive them. This will avoid unnecessary duplication, confusion, expense, and potential abuse.

I.D. images should be stored in the voter file so election workers can verify identity.

One vote per person is the foundation of our electoral process.  Photo I.D.s play a critical role in voter verification.

Tabulators, ballots, and election materials must be secured throughout the entire voting process.

Now that early voting is required by the constitution, additional safeguards should be established.

If drop boxes must be used, then they should be secured, monitored, and placed in government buildings.

Fortifying ballot drop-off locations decreases the possibility of fraud.

All ballots must be numbered and auditable.

Ballots printed on demand lack the traditional identifiers that are critical to our thorough elections process.

Ballots must be secured after the election to ensure audits are accurate.

Your vote deserves to be protected to provide accurate audit results.

Residents should have the right to view the process from start to finish.

Now that Michiganders can register and vote at a clerk’s office on election day, challengers must be granted access just like they have at polling places.

Post-election audits should be strengthened to verify the accuracy of results.

Selecting a larger sample of ballots will provide greater quality assurance.

By implementing these measures, our state can uphold the highest standards of election integrity, safeguard the democratic rights of all residents and foster trust in our electoral process. This plan represents a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the fundamental principles of our constitutional republic.

Together, we can work to strengthen the voting process and give voters like you the confidence you deserve.