Michigan considers campaign disclosure & election reforms

The Detroit News writes in an editorial that Michigan is in need of stricter campaign finance disclosure rules, such as those proposed by Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. However, they note, more can be done to require disclosure of PAC fundraising and spending. Network partner Michigan Campaign Finance Network is cited in the editorial, and notes that officials elected in 2010 do not have to file any disclosure statements until January of 2012.

Detroit News: Editorial: More campaign spending reporting needed

A new election reform bill in Michigan will allow for some voters to receive no-reason absentee ballots. However, the proposal does not allow for voters to receive their ballots in the mail unless they meet certain requirements (such as if they are age 60 or over, will be out of town, or will be serving as an election official). Others must pick them up from their local clerk’s office. Some Michigan groups have noted that this is a problem, and Ohio State University professor Daniel Tokaji says that requiring in-person pickup “severely limits the utility of no-reason absentee ballots.” The Lansing State Journal has come out in favor of no-reason absentee voting, especially after Michigan’s voting rate went down between the midterm elections of 2006 and 2010.

Michigan Messenger: No-reason absentee voting proposal comes with a catch
Lansing State Journal: Time to pass ‘no reason’ absentee voting

In addition to no-reason absentee voting, the legislature is considering other changes to the voting system. If citizens choose to register at a government agency, they must show a photo ID on the spot, and if they do not their application will be “treated like a mail registration,” according to Project Vote. Another part of the bill will create additional requirements for nonprofit organizations engaged in voter registration. Groups will have to register with the Secretary of State, attend a training developed by the Secretary of State, and return voter registration forms to the election authorities within one business day for registrations collected within 7 days of an election.

Project Vote: Restrictive voter registration proposal considered in Michigan