Senate OKs bills to fix Michigan's broken military voting system Package headed to House for review

Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson, who has led efforts to improve voting for Michigan's military personnel deployed overseas, congratulated the state Senate for voting in favor of several bills today to streamline that process. The package of military voting bills approved Tuesday includes Senate Bill 0721, 1094, 1095 and 1096, which now go to the state House for consideration. The bills are sponsored by several legislators, including Sen. John Pappageorge, (R-Troy.) Additional legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Vince Gregory (D-Southfield) is pending. "Thank you to both Senator Pappageorge and Representative Gregory, who, as veterans, understand how important it is to make the system work for the men and women serving so courageously overseas," said Johnson. Johnson, along with Macomb County Clerk Carmella Sabaugh and Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett, created Operation: Our Troops Count in July 2009 after a national report scolded Michigan and 15 other states for failing to provide enough time for overseas military to get their votes home in time to be counted on Election Day--a problem which largely stems from mail delays. Provisions in the bills would allow clerks to email ballots to overseas troops to reduce delays. "We went to lawmakers to help us change this process and they are responding," Johnson said. "The package of bills is bipartisan, a common-sense answer that puts proven technology to work, will save expensive postage and maintain integrity in the absentee voting process." The Pew Center on the States listed Michigan as one of 16 "no-time-to-vote" states. Local clerks testified previously that ballots from overseas troops trickle in the days and even weeks after an election, too late to be counted. "These are men and women, away from their families and often risking their lives to protect our freedom. Michigan has to step up and make sure their right to vote--a cornerstone of democracy--is protected here at home," said Johnson. Published: Thu, Mar 4, 2010

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