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Whitmer Says Veto Of GOP Election Bills Won’t End Fight Over Voting Rights

Maxim Jenkins
/
WKAR-MSU

A fight over voting rights is brewing at the state Capitol. Republicans are preparing to take up a 39-bill package that would create new voting restrictions – including showing an ID to vote in person or to get an absentee ballot. Democrats oppose the bills.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer told The Washington Post during an online interview that she’s waiting to see if the Legislature sends her the bills. 

“If and when that does happen,” she said, “I will veto the package.”

But she acknowledged that will very likely not be the end of the story.

Michigan Republican Party Chair Ron Weiser has said he will put his personal money behind a petition campaign to enact the measures if they are vetoed. If it succeeds, that would allow the GOP-controlled Legislature to adopt the bills without the threat of a veto.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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