Michigan Secretary of State wants absentee ballot applications mailed to voters every federal election cycle

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson called for a number of changes to Michigan election law this week, endorsing a plan that would make her decision to mail absentee ballot applications to every registered voter during the pandemic a requirement moving forward.

During a Monday afternoon news briefing, Benson and Assistant Secretary of State Heaster Wheeler outlined a legislative agenda that also included making Election Day a state holiday, banning open carry of guns at within 100 feet of a polling location and giving clerks two weeks ahead of Election Day to process absentee ballots, as well as guaranteeing ballots postmarked by Election Day be counted even if they arrive late.

Benson, a Democrat, said she was concerned by proposals popping up in Michigan and around the country to “restore faith” in elections with policies that would make it harder to vote in-person and absentee. She said the November election was the most successful and secure in history, noting her goal is to “advance the will” of Michigan residents who backed increased access to absentee voting in 2018.