Rick Snyder, the Republican Governor of Michigan, secured a last-second victory for voters that was reminiscent of the Wolverines’ comeback victory over Notre Dame. As time was winding down before the summer recess, Snyder hauled in the hopes of young people and lobbyists and vetoed the bill. Opponents of voter suppression were about as shocked and elated as the Michigan faithful were when Roy Roundtree grabbed Denard Robinson’s lob to the corner of the endzone as time was running out in the fourth quarter.
Snyder vetoed three bills in total. One bill would have required voters to affirm that they were U.S. citizens before receiving a ballot. Another would have required absentee voters to show a photo ID when picking up a ballot. The third would have required training for organizations and people who wanted to participate in voter registration drives.
These surprise vetoes left supporters of the bill in shock and “deeply disappointed.”
Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger went on to say that “eligible voters need to know that their votes count and will not be canceled out by others who are ineligible to vote.”
Supporters were ecstatic.
“This is fantastic news,” Jessica Tramontana from Progress Michigan said. “To put unnecessary obstacles in the path to voting is ridiculous. So we applaud the governor’s veto.”
These vetoes by the governor ensure that the most vulnerable voters maintain their say in the electoral process. These vetoes removed the potential roadblocks for young, old, poor, and disabled voters. They allow these demographics to keep electoral power and affect the outcome of the 2012 elections.
The announcement’s timing was very fitting. It came down on the day before Independence Day, a day to honor America. This decision honors every American’s right to vote, which is crucial to the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Voters in Michigan should celebrate this victory like the Big Blue fans did after their last second victory over Ohio State. But, instead of rushing the field, they should rush to the polls. The voter registration deadline for the Michigan state primary is Monday, and what better way could there be to celebrate this victory for voters and America than fulfilling your civic duty and registering to vote?
Tags: Michigan, voter ID, voter suppression
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Blaze Joel Bio: Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com |
