Livingston Today

State Representative Ann Bollin has expressed strong opposition to a series of bills that were expedited through the House Elections Committee, which propose changes to Michigan's election laws. The legislation, known as House Bills 6052-6055, was introduced shortly after the presidential election and discussed in a committee hearing on November 12.

Rep. Bollin criticized the timing of these proposals, stating, "I am absolutely appalled that this committee would put forth changes to election law when we haven’t even fully processed the Nov. 5 election." She highlighted ongoing efforts by clerks to finalize the recent election process and complete necessary audits.

One of the proposed bills, House Bill 6052, seeks to extend the use of on-demand ballot printing systems beyond early voting. Bollin cautioned against this expansion without addressing existing issues: "We saw firsthand how on-demand ballot printing led to problems in multiple communities... This is not the time to hastily expand a process that is still under scrutiny."

Drawing from her experience as Brighton Township Clerk, Bollin stressed a need for data-driven decisions and input from local clerks before making legislative changes. "Let’s give our clerks the time they need... Only then can we create balanced, sound election laws," she stated.

Bollin also called for stable funding for election administration across Michigan: "Our clerks deserve consistent support... We need a funding formula that ensures all jurisdictions have the resources they need."

Despite her objections, the committee advanced the bills along party lines for further consideration by the full House.