Traverse City Record-Eagle

Election 2007

November 2, 2007

Voter identification law causes a stir

Change in absentee voter applications also a concern

By Brian McGillivary

TRAVERSE CITY -- Local residents are divided over a new state law that requires voters to show picture identification before they cast a ballot.

"I really can't see the reasoning for it; it's just a job for somebody," said Trudy Shugart.

Kirsten Policastro said the photo requirement will hinder the voting efforts of those who don't have photo identification.

Others said the law that goes into effect for the first time on Nov. 6 probably is a good idea.

"I think people should be really truthful about what they are doing and shouldn't (vote) if it isn't correct," Grace Hanninen said.

To vote, those who don't possess a driver's license, passport or state identification card will be required to sign an affidavit that states they don't have identification in their possession.

The state legislature enacted the identification law in 1996, but it was never enforced. The Michigan Supreme Court recently ruled the law constitutional.

Garfield Township Clerk Kay Schumacher said she suspects many voters won't carry identification with them, since it's the first time it's required.

"It's going to cause some problems, for sure," Schumacher said. "The first few elections people are going to be upset."

Whitewater Township Clerk Carol Hockin published the new requirement in the township's newsletter and on its Web site, while the township's two write-in candidates for township trustee included the new law in their campaign literature.

Still, she expects the requirement to slow things down at the polls.

Grand Traverse County Clerk Linda Coburn said she'll be meeting with area clerks this week to share suggested procedures to help eliminate delays. But doesn't anticipate it will cause too many problems at the polls.

Coburn said she's more concerned about a recent state Court of Appeals decision that bars clerks from automatically mailing out absentee voter applications.

Coburn said clerks in Grand Traverse County typically sent applications to all voters over age 60 and any voter who requests to be on a permanent absentee mailing list.

There's no provision in state law for the mass mailings, Coburn said. Unless the law is changed before Dec. 1, everyone who wants or expects an absentee ballot for the Jan. 15 presidential primary will have to make a personal request to their local clerk.

"Now, that's going to kill us," Schumacher said. "The over 60 (people) are going to be furious with us."

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