Snyder.

LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation that will update election law, aligning Michigan more closely with other states by eliminating 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.”

Senate Bill 13, sponsored by State Sen. Marty Knollenberg, is now Public Act 268 of 2015. It contains an appropriation of $5 million for the purchase of new voting equipment to ease Election Day logistical concerns.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Michigan is one of only 13 states that does not allow for some form of early or no-reason absentee voting.

In the letter explaining his position, the governor calls on the Senate to pass House Bill 4724, to allow for secure forms of no-reason absentee voting, which will help to alleviate the possibility of longer wait times at polling locations.

Snyder’s move was met with a mixed reception. The bill prohibits public bodies from distributing information on ballot proposals 60 days before an election, something local governments said could prevent them from explaining important issues to citizens.

Progress Michigan released a statement denouncing Snyder’s move.  

“Who in their right mind states that a major portion of a piece of legislation is problematic and hears the same thing from colleagues within their own party, but still signs it into law anyway?” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “You don’t sign a bill that you have major complaints about and then ask for retroactive changes. That’s not how you negotiate. Gov. Snyder is placing a dangerous bet on a legislature that has shown complete contempt for his wishes and he’s gambling with our democracy. ”