Tri-City Sun

In an attempt to discourage voter fraud at a time that looks unlike any other in American history, Sen. Kevin Daley (R-Lum) has proposed legislation that would toughen election laws.

Senate bills 977 and 978 would make it a felony for someone to knowingly submit another person’s name or personal identity information on a ballot application or attempt to obtain multiple ballots.

"Making voter fraud a felony will discourage those who wish to tamper with our elections in the first place," Daley said in a YouTube video. "The people of Michigan need to have the confidence that their elections are being conducted honestly and that they can trust the results, win or lose."

Sen. Kevin Daley | #MiSenateGOP

The concern has risen since Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced that she planned to send absentee ballot applications to each of the state's 7.7 million registered voters. Daley recounted a story of a constituent receiving an absentee ballot application at his home, which was addressed to a person who hadn't lived there in 20 years but was still registered to vote in that location.

Benson said that voters shouldn't have to risk their health and safety to ensure their voice is heard at the polls. 

“As we collectively endure this moment of great uncertainty, caused by a  global pandemic that has taken the lives of 100,000 Americans and many more worldwide, it is within both my authority and my responsibility as  Michigan’s chief election officer to ensure every voter knows that they do not need to risk their health to cast a ballot,” Benson said, according to MLive.

Daley said it is crucial to make sure that the election system is not compromised. This is a step towards protecting the security and integrity of the voting system.

"There’s a lot of concern about election integrity within our system right now," Daley said. "These bills will help discourage voter fraud and prove trust in our elections and protect our fundamental right to vote. I encourage my colleagues to support these bills."