Tri-City Sun

State Representative Mike Hoadley (R-Au Gres) has introduced new legislation aimed at restoring trust in Michigan's Qualified Voter File (QVF). The proposed House Bill 4356 mandates the Michigan Secretary of State’s office to contact voters who have not participated in elections for more than ten years.

According to the bill, these voters would receive a prepaid, preaddressed card prompting them to verify their current address with local clerks. Rep. Hoadley stated, “The inaccuracy of Michigan’s voter rolls is a legitimate concern. Inaccurate information in the QVF can undermine voter confidence in the system."

Voters receiving the card must confirm their address with their local clerk at least 15 days before the next election. Alternatively, they can affirm their address at the polls when they next vote. Otherwise, they risk being removed from the voter file after failing to respond or verify their address by the second November general election following the card's issuance.

“Michigan residents want to be confident in our voter rolls again," Hoadley commented, emphasizing the importance of accurate voter records.

The bill has been forwarded to the Election Integrity Committee for further consideration.