Farm Bureau: Vote no on prop 2

Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) is urging members to vote no on Proposal 2 on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.

This follows the organization’s announcement asking members to vote yes on Proposal 1.

Proposal 2 would amend the state constitution to do the following:

• Include nine days of early voting.
• Continue to allow voting without a state issued ID if the voter signs an affidavit stating they are who they say they are.
• Require state-funded postage for absentee applications and ballots.
• Allow voters to register for absentee ballots for all future elections.
• Allow public sources and charities to fund elections, subject to disclosure rules.
• Require military and overseas ballots to be counted if postmarked by election day.
• Require ballot drop boxes for every 15,000 voters in a municipality.
• Establish that post-election audits can only be conducted by state and local officials.
• Require canvassing boards to only certify election results based on the official vote counts.

“Our organization’s primary concern with Proposal 2 is that we believe an identification should be required when voting,” said MFB’s elections expert, Matt Kapp. “We believe that presenting identification when voting helps to combat voter fraud and ensures safe and accurate elections.”

MFB Policy #61 Elections states the organization supports, “A passport, enhanced Michigan ID, or enhanced driver’s license, REAL ID or REAL Michigan driver’s license that proves citizenship for voter registration and voting.”

The Board of State Canvassers on Aug. 31 unanimously approved the language to appear on the general election ballot. It reads:

A proposal to amend the state constitution to add provisions regarding elections.

This proposed constitutional amendment would:

• Recognize fundamental right to vote without harassing conduct;
• Require military or overseas ballots be counted if postmarked by election day;
• Provide voter right to verify identity with photo ID or signed statement;
• Provide voter right to single application to vote absentee in all elections;
• Require state-funded absentee-ballot drop boxes, and postage for absentee applications and ballots;
• Provide that only election officials may conduct post-election audits;
• Require nine days of early in-person voting;
• Allow donations to fund elections, which must be disclosed;
• Require canvass boards certify election results based only on the official records of votes cast.

Should this proposal be adopted? [ ] YES [ ] NO

Support Friends of Agriculture

AgriPac, MFB’s political action committee, also encourages voting for endorsed Friends of Agriculture in the general election, including gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon. View the complete list of farm-friendly candidates.