LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan voters will be able to vote earlier during elections following Governor Gretchen Whitmer signing new legislation into law this week. 

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“Today, I am proud to sign bipartisan legislation implementing the will of the people, ensuring they can make their voices heard in every election,” Gov. Whitmer said. “Let’s keep fighting to expand the constitutional right to vote freely, fairly, and securely with common sense reforms so we can build a government of the people that delivers for the people.” 

Before the new legislation, Michiganders would cast their ballots in an approved polling location on Election Day or could vote using absentee ballots, however these would not be tallied until the day of the election. 

Now, votes could be cast in-person nearly a month ahead of the election or delivered to drop boxes, before tabulators count them ahead of Election Day. 

Other state officials, such as Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson applauded the new public act. 

“Last November, Michiganders turned out in record numbers to expand our voting rights. Legislative leaders worked collaboratively with my office, local clerks, and voting rights advocates from around the state to make sure these bills provide the flexibility and resources we need to carry out the will of the voters,” Benson said in a statement, “This was a thoughtful, bipartisan effort and I’m grateful to the leaders in both chambers for getting this done. We are ready to work with Michigan’s clerks to implement these new laws in time for next year’s elections.” 

One of the sponsors of the new laws, Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) also shared his support.

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“I’m proud to lead this effort that provides more convenient early options to vote through nine days of in-person voting before Election Day, easier ways to sign up to receive absentee ballots, required drop boxes in each community, and more,” he said, “This – along with early processing of absentee ballots, just as 38 other states do – will allow for our accurate election results to be published much quicker and further instill confidence that our voting systems work.”

House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland) has criticized the efforts alongside some Republicans, arguing that it could affect election integrity, calling the new legislation “bad policy.” 

“Republicans, independents, and Democrats should all have confidence in the security of our elections,” he said in a statement, “The partisan bills signed by the governor today don’t do that, and are a significant step backward for our great state.”