LANSING, Mich., Sept. 30, 2021 — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) issued the following statement after today’s election legislation was rushed through the Legislature:

“I’m deeply disappointed, but not surprised, that the House passed election bills based on the groundless conspiracy theories that make up the Big Lie. Instead of sharing accurate information about our elections with voters, we’re adding to the confusion. Republicans are committing to their cult of personality. And they are blithely sacrificing democracy in the process. It is short-sighted, cynical and un-American.

“Michigan voters spoke loudly and clearly when they passed Proposal 3 in 2018 by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. They told us — their elected representatives — that they want voting to be more accessible. Michigan voters took advantage of the new accessibility of no-reason absentee voting in record numbers during the pandemic. Now, the Republicans have decided to punish all of us for simply exercising one of the rights most fundamental to democracy.”