LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Joseph Bellino on Wednesday introduced legislation aimed at protecting the integrity of elections in Michigan.
“‘One person, one vote’ is a cornerstone of our democracy, and protecting that rule is critical to defending the integrity of our elections and ensuring voters can trust the results,” said Bellino, R-Monroe. “Many people have concerns about our elections and simple reforms like my bill can help address those concerns and still protect voters’ rights.
“Election reforms adopted in 2018 and 2022 provide for early voting and same-day registrations that could make it easier for cheaters to attempt to vote multiple times. My bill simply makes sure each person understands the law and the consequences of illegally voting.”
Senate Bill 151 is a reintroduction of SB 302 of 2021, which was passed in 2022 by both chambers with bipartisan support but vetoed by the governor.
SB 151 would require individuals registering to vote to confirm they understand it is a felony to vote or attempt to vote more than once at the same election, in either the same or another voting precinct.
Bellino said the previous bill was the result of conversations with local clerks and a nonpartisan state audit that outlined glaring concerns and liabilities with the way elections in Michigan are conducted.
“This reform received widespread support last year from both Michigan county and municipal clerks — who actually run our elections,” Bellino said. “It is designed to protect elections through awareness of the law and does nothing to prevent or hinder someone from legally voting.”
SB 151 has been referred to the Senate Elections and Ethics Committee for consideration.
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