Bill Text: MI SCR0031 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Engrossed
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution to support the duly enacted election laws that ensure the integrity and efficient administration of our elections.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-09-29 - Referred To Committee On Elections And Ethics [SCR0031 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-SCR0031-Engrossed.html
senate Concurrent Resolution No.31
Senator McBroom offered the following concurrent resolution:
Whereas, Election laws must provide access to voting while also ensuring sound election administration and mitigating the risk of fraud. This is paramount to uphold the integrity of the electoral system; and
Whereas, The Constitution of the United States, in Article I, Section 4 and Article II, Section 1, vests state legislatures with the authority to prescribe election procedures for presidential and congressional elections; and
Whereas, The Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 charges the Legislature with enacting laws on elections. Article II, Section 4 of the constitution states, in part:
Except as otherwise provided in this constitution or in the constitution or laws of the United States the legislature shall enact laws to regulate the time, place and manner of all nominations and elections, to preserve the purity of elections, to preserve the secrecy of the ballot, to guard against abuses of the elective franchise, and to provide for a system of voter registration and absentee voting.
; and
Whereas, In accordance with the United States and Michigan constitutions, the Legislature enacted prudent laws aimed to produce organized, fair elections by prohibiting the paid transportation of able-bodied voters to the polls; limiting who may assist an absentee voter with their ballot; and setting the ballot receipt deadline on election day; and
Whereas, Two court rulings have declared that these laws cannot be enforced. On September 17, 2020, a U.S. District Court granted a preliminary injunction that will permit the paid transportation of voters to an election. On September 18, 2020, the Michigan Court of Claims granted preliminary injunctive relief broadly opening up who may assist an absent voter with their ballot and set the receipt deadline for absentee ballots postmarked no later than one day before election day to 14 days after election day; and
Whereas, Permitting the paid transportation of voters to the polls creates opportunities for political groups to engage in quid pro quo crimes that affect votes; and
Whereas, Failing to limit who may assist citizens with their absentee ballots, especially in mass quantities, can increase fraud and diminish public confidence in election results. Through such ballot harvesting, political operatives entrusted with voters’ ballots could tamper with them or discard them; and
Whereas, Extending the absentee ballot receipt deadline past election day delays election results and causes severe and serious problems with election administration. It invites court battles and undermines confidence in the outcome of the election; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Michigan
Senate commits to the selection of electors to the Electoral College that will
be faithful to voting for the candidate with the most votes for President in
Michigan as certified by Michigan election officials; and be it further
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we support the duly enacted election laws that ensure the integrity and efficient administration of our elections; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Secretary of State, and the Attorney General.
