(LANSING) - A state senator from Branch County is proposing changes to Michigan's absentee voting laws that would restore previous eligibility requirements for voters seeking an absentee ballot.
State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey has introduced Senate Bill 1054, which would limit absentee voting to voters who meet specific qualifications.
Under the proposal, eligible voters would include those with a physical disability, a religious obligation, election inspectors, people age 60 and older, military personnel and others who will be away from their polling place on Election Day.
Lindsey said the bill would place responsibility on voters to register for absentee voting and on local clerks to verify voter eligibility.
He said absentee voting should be reserved for voters with a specific reason to vote outside of a polling place. He argued that widespread absentee voting increases the risk of fraud and errors and reduces participation in Election Day voting.
Lindsey also pointed to Michigan's adoption of nine days of early in-person voting, saying expanded in-person voting options have reduced the need for no-excuse absentee voting.
The proposal has been introduced in the Michigan Senate and will be considered through the legislative process.