LANSING, Mich., Oct. 7, 2021 — Over the weekend, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed four election bills. She identified House Bills 4837, 4838 and 4492 as a part of a “disinformation campaign to discredit the 2020 election.” HBs 4837 and 4838, would prevent third-party access to the Qualified Voter File and require election equipment to be disconnected from the internet, which are already current practice in Michigan elections.
HB 4492 would expand possible polling locations to privately owned buildings like golf courses, creating a conflict of interest for the owners of the facilities. HB 4528 would require the Secretary of State to provide comprehensive training for all county clerks, political parties and organizations seeking to become election challengers but fails to fund the program. In support of the vetoes, state Rep. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford) issued the following statement:
“Michiganders spoke loud and clear in 2018 when we voted by a 2-to-1 margin to make our elections more accessible. While Republicans claim these bills are innocent reforms, they are nothing more than attempts to feed conspiracy theories popular among the conservative fringe that believe the Big Lie. I voted no on these bills in the House because I firmly believe these are just smokescreen attempts to continue to undermine our elections and our voice. I will always vote to protect and enhance the right of the people, but unfortunately, Republicans are more interested in combating imaginary fraud than making sure our elections remain accessible and accurate.”