Lansing, Michigan — Senator Curt VanderWall expressed his disappointment on Friday that the governor vetoed a package of bills that would strengthen identification requirements for voting and make it easier for residents to obtain free state ID cards.

"Unfortunately, this is how our governor continues to work; she chooses politics over the people of Michigan," said R-Ludington's VanderWall. "The only thing these bills suppress is the legal loopholes in our electoral system. Showing the correct ID to vote is a common-sense solution supported by Republicans, Democrats, and independent voters across the state. These bills will help all voters in Michigan. Easier and fairer access to ID cards and elections."

The governor’s veto on Friday included Senate Bills 303 and 304, and House Bill 5007.

SB 303 will require voters to present the correct ID when voting in person, and require absent voters to write their Michigan driver's license number or state ID number on the absentee ballot application to verify their identity. Voters can also write down the last four digits of their social security number on the application form, or show their ID to the clerks to obtain absentee ballots. It will also prohibit the use of third-party funds for election administration in Michigan, and prohibit the Secretary of State or other government officials from sending unsolicited applications for absentee ballots to voters.

A statewide poll conducted by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Glengariff Group in May 2021 showed that 79.7% of Michigan voters supported the requirement that "every voter who participated in the vote presents a government-issued ID in order to vote"-including 100% strong Republicans, 83.4% independents and 58.4% strong Democrats. A recent poll by Monmouth University found that four-fifths of Americans (80%) support showing their ID to vote.

SB 304 sponsored by VanderWall will allow on-site voters without proper ID and absent voters who fail to fill in their identity information to make provisional ballots, and return to the local clerk within six days of the election to verify their identity so that their votes can be counted Inside. HB 5007 will provide Michigan residents with an official state personal ID card for free.