Just in time for the November presidential election, Governor Rick Snyder signed into law Senate Bill 13, which will eliminate straight party voting. With the signing of SB 13, Michigan joins 40 other states that require voters to select an individual for each elective office, rather than simply selecting a political party. “As governor, I have strived to put people before politics and strongly encourage voters to do the same,” Snyder said. “Under this new law, voters will select an individual for each office, rather than simply marking ‘Republican’ or ‘Democrat’ on their ballot.”
State Representative Eric Leutheuser spoke in favor of SB 13 during the Hillsdale County Republican meeting Thursday night at Olivia’s Chop House in Jonesville.
The passage of the bill has drawn criticism from local clerks, the Michigan Association of County Clerks and the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks.
Hillsdale County Clerk Marney Kast said both associations have been opposed to the elimination of straight party voting since its inception. “It is the consensus of county and local clerks that it will create longer lines, along with voter frustration at the polls,” she said.
Full Article: Mixed feelings on elimination of straight party voting – News – Hillsdale.net – Hillsdale, MI – Hillsdale, MI.