Governor eliminates straight party ticket ballot option

Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation ending the option for voters to select a straight-party ticket on the ballot.

“Michigan is one of only 10 states that allows residents to vote for just a party affiliation rather than individual people. It’s time to choose people over politics,” Snyder said. “To alleviate concerns that this change could lead to longer wait times for voters, I’m asking the Legislature to enact secured no-reason absentee voting.”

The bill signed by the governor contains an contains an appropriation of $5 million for the purchase of new voting equipment to ease Election Day logistical concerns.

Snyder called on the Senate to pass a bill allowing for secure forms of no-reason absentee voting. He said that would help to alleviate the possibility of longer wait times at polling locations.