LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan voters could no longer cast a straight-party ticket with a single mark under legislation that majority Republicans hope to pass before adjourning for the year.
The Senate on Wednesday plans to uncouple the bill from House-passed legislation that would let voters cast an absentee ballot without needing to meet a specific reason. The House would decide whether to send Gov. Rick Snyder the bill ending the straight-ticket option.
Talks continue in the Capitol.
Republicans say letting people vote a straight ticket with one check encourages them to pick officeholders by party affiliation, not their qualifications.
Democrats accuse Republicans of seeking a partisan advantage in elections by removing a convenient, popular option.
The bill includes $5 million for additional voting booths and tabulators to address longer lines on Election Day.
