Third Party Voter Registration in Michigan

Michigan does not currently impose restrictions on third party registration. However, Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land proposed “A 20-Point Plan to Improve Elections in Michigan,” which includes an initiative to “Promote Responsible Voter Registration Drives.” See http://www.michigan.gov. This initiative would create timeframes for delivering voter-registration applications, while also establishing penalties for third party organizations that failed to abide by the timeframe. Id. It would also require third party organizations to register with the state before facilitating a voter registration drive. Id. This proposal would require third party organizations to generate a process “. . . to screen out obviously fraudulent or false applications.” Id. To enforce this proposal, Secretary Land suggests the implementation of felony penalties for “knowingly forging or submitting a false voter-registration.” Id. Finally, the initiation would restrict third parties from receiving payment on a per application basis. Id.
Although these proposals would restrict third parties, it is important to note that they are only proposals and there is not a bill in place. However, it is also important to note that such initiatives are on the Secretary’s agenda and should be revisited in the future.