LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan voters could no longer cast a straight-party ticket with a single mark under a bill approved by a sharply divided Legislature and sent to Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk.
The House voted 54-52 for the legislation late Wednesday after the Senate passed it 24-13.
The bill no longer is tied to legislation that would let voters cast an absentee ballot without needing to meet a specific reason.
Majority Republicans say letting people vote a straight ticket with one mark encourages them to pick officeholders by party affiliation, not their qualifications.
Democrats accuse Republicans of seeking a partisan advantage and trying to suppress voter turnout by removing a convenient option.
The bill includes $5 million for more voting booths and tabulators to address clerk’ concerns about longer lines on Election Day.