It shouldn’t be a health risk to cast a ballot
Amid a global pandemic, as clerks across the state are preparing for upcoming elections in August and November, there is one thing I want the people I serve to know.
No registered voter in Oakland County has to risk their health to cast a ballot.
When Michigan voters overwhelmingly passed Proposal 3 in 2018, it amended the state consti- tution to create, among other things, same-day voter registration and no-excuse absentee voting. I am glad we did because whether people are elderly, at greater risk to COVID-19, or are simply fearful of becoming sick, they should have peace of mind that comes with knowing that voting will not jeopardize their health.
While mailing in an absentee ballot is unfamiliar to many voters, the process is proven, efficient and secure. And amid the COVID-19 crisis, it is the safest option available.
In the best interest of voters in our county and statewide, I am working with VoteSafe Michigan, a bipartisan coalition of voting experts, elected officials, health care professionals, and community leaders who support accessible, secure mail-in ballots and safe, in-person voting sites.
That effort is two-fold. First, ensure that voters can vote safely in person or exercise their constitutional right in Michigan to vote via mail. We are committed to raising awareness so they can pursue the option that best suits them.
Second, we need to ensure clerks have the resources needed to process the increased number of absentee ballots expected. There will also be a greater need for PPE and other resources to protect the well-being of election workers and voters alike for those who choose to vote in person.
Given the strain on local and state governments throughout Michigan, we must call attention to the fact that safeguarding our election and the right to vote is going to require additional federal funding.
We shouldn’t focus on the political games that have spread confusion on this issue — the stakes are too high. This is a bipartisan effort supporting all voters led by a prominent Republican, physician and former Congressman Joe Schwarz and Democrat, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
I have encouraged our city and township clerks to have large, outdoor, secure ballot drop boxes to alleviate the concerns over proper postage and overloading the postal service. In the meantime, we will continue to take the steps necessary to ensure those wishing to vote in person can do so safely.
I want to remind voters to use a blue or black ink pen when filling in the box next to their choice on the ballot and that, in August, you can only vote for one party’s candidates.
Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and something we as clerks were elected to protect. In 2020, our job is to protect the elections from COVID-19. It’s a duty I take seriously as do my counterparts across the state.