COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Michigan State Senator Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater) introduced Senate Bill 1054 to roll back the state’s universal, no-questions-asked absentee voting policy and reinstate excuse-required restrictions.
Under the proposed legislation, the standard allowing any registered voter to request a mail-in ballot would be replaced by specific qualifying categories. Eligible reasons to vote absentee would be restricted to physical disability, religious obligations, active duty in the military, working as an election inspector, or being 60 years of age or older. The bill has been officially referred to the Senate Committee on Elections and Ethics for further legislative consideration.
Senator Lindsey defended the measure as a “commonsense reform” aimed at improving election security and rebuilding voter confidence.
He argued that universal mail-in voting invites errors and potential fraud, while asserting that Michigan’s newly implemented nine days of early in-person voting greatly minimizes the general need for absentee ballots.
Conversely, critics argue the legislation attempts to dismantle significant voting access expansions previously authorized by Michigan voters through statewide ballot initiatives.
The proposal comes amid record-high turnout for mail-in voting in the state, with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office reporting that nearly two million voters requested absentee ballots ahead of the upcoming primary.
Early in person voting in Michigan begins this Saturday.
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