Friday, March 29, 2024

ASMSU considers support for bill eliminating voter requirement

March 22, 2001

Although ASMSU’s election ends today, the undergraduate student government is working to remain involved in ensuring students vote.

The ASMSU Student Assembly is considering a measure tonight which would give its support behind a proposed state House Bill to remove the law requiring voters to register 30 days before State of Michigan elections. The requirement’s elimination would allow residents to register until election day.

“I think changing the voting laws in this matter would make it easier for students to vote overall,” said Shane Waller, Student Assembly vice chairperson for external affairs who introduced the bill.

Waller said one month is not enough for students who arrive at MSU in late August and primarily concentrate on classes for at least the first months.

State Rep. Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, who introduced the bill along with a number of other Democrats, said a change in Michigan’s voting process is necessary considering problems surrounding November's presidential and statewide elections.

“I think, in today’s day and age, we really need look at changing our elections laws,” she said.

Whitmer cited reports of MSU students denied attempts to cast ballots because they were not registered in the city of East Lansing.

“I think that is just unconscionable,” Whitmer said. “When you have 500 or 600 students that want to vote, they should be able to register right there.”

Other state representatives also favor the bill because simplifying the voting process could incite a higher voter turnout.

“The more things we can do to include people in the process, the better,” said LaMar Lemmons III, D-Detroit, a member of the Committee on Redistricting and Elections, which is considering the bill for a House vote. “The fewer obstacles and walls we place in front of the voters, the more likely they are to vote.”

Some representatives said they would be in favor of the measure as long as it causes no problems for local officials.

“I would be inclined to support it,” said Scott Shackleton, R-Sault Ste. Marie. “It sounds good, but I would like to check with city clerks and see if it presents any problems or if any modifications need to be made.”

ASMSU representatives also seem to support the House bill.

“Anything to increase student voter turnout is a good thing,” said Melissa Kushlak, a Student Assembly College of Veterinary Medicine representative who says he experienced troubles with registering to vote in East Lansing.

But some ASMSU representatives who didn’t have troubles registering also support the measure.

“It wasn’t an inconvenience for me, but I can see how lots of people had trouble in getting everything done,” said Kiel Phegley, a Student Assembly College of Arts and Letters representative. “I think it is in the best interest of ASMSU to support this.”

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