To the Journal editor:

I am concerned about the recent actions in Michigan Senate Elections Committee that took up a number of bills Wednesday centered around ballot drop boxes, including bills that would cut back the hours ballots can be dropped off on Election Day and require video surveillance of drop boxes, particularly Senate Bill 286, introduced by state Sen. Ed McBroom.

Even with his recent proposed change to 5 p.m. Election Day, confusion would reign. Under current law, voters are allowed to vote by drop box until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Sen. McBroom said he feels his bill would relieve “substantial burden” on election clerks. Creating chaos and confusion does not relieve anything. There is no need to manipulate a system that worked almost flawlessly in November 2020, as upheld by courts, if not directly dismissed first.

Also, what about the burden of excess funding for requirements in other measures the committee discussed and you support in Senate Bill 273, requiring municipalities to use a video surveillance system to monitor all drop boxes.

I’m calling on Senator McBroom to please not restrict our rights…Michigan voters opted for the expansion of voting rights. Over two-thirds of Michigan voters passed Proposal 3, a Constitutional amendment that allows for no-reason absentee voting, same-day voter registration, straight-ticket voting and more.

Elected officials must promote the people’s will, not the will of high financed fellow Republicans all supporting the #BigLie.

We count on our legislators to support the votes of the people: verified votes, certified votes all obtained securely and legally by our trusted municipal professionals.

The courts said so, the majority of people say so, the data says so. Sen. McBroom needs to respect that.