The state plans to fight a lawsuit filed in federal court by a group of Michigan college students. Capital correspondent Cheyna Roth reports the students say a law discriminates against young voters.
College students from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan have joined forces for the suit. They say a Michigan law creates barriers for young voters. They want to be able to use their temporary college address to vote, while still keeping a different permanent residence on their driver’s license.
Right now, the address on your driver’s license is your voting address and determines your precinct.
Fred Woodhams is a spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s Office. He said the lawsuit comes as a surprise – especially because it was already litigated 20 years ago. “We’re a staunch motor-voter state. Have been for decades and decades.” Woodhams said.
The lawsuit also says the requirement that voters who register by mail cast their first ballot in person is unnecessarily burdensome.