LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today approved state Representative Andy Schor’s (D-Lansing) bill allowing certain voters to use a signature stamp when signing their name on election documents.

“This is a common-sense bill that will improve Michigan’s election process by making it easier for some voters to exercise their constitutional right and cast their ballot,” said Schor.

House Bill 4478 would allow a voter who is unable to sign his or her name on an election document to use a signature stamp. Now, voters who cannot sign their names must make their mark (an X) on a ballot because signature stamps are not allowed. In East Lansing, a voter tried to vote using a signature stamp, and the ballot could not be accepted. This was highlighted in the Lansing State Journal in a series of columns by Mark Mayes.

“Voting must be easy and accessible for everyone, and this legislation ensures that disabled voters will be able to vote with dignity by having their own signature instead of having to put an X,” said Schor. “I appreciate the bi-partisan support of my colleagues in the House of Representatives, and hope the Senate will take this up soon and send it to the Governor’s desk for his signature.”