Early Voting News: Week of April 3rd, 2005

Michigan
The Detroit News opines that Michigan must adopt no-excuse by-mail absentee balloting. The current Secretary of State and Republican House leader are on the record as supporting such a reform.

Massachussetts
Three different election reform proposals are moving through the statehouse. One would require identification at the polling place. This has been opposed by some voting rights advocates. A second would allow day-of-election registration. Finally, one bill provides for unrestricted, no-excuse absentee balloting.
Boston Globe. The Marblehead Reporter focuses on the vote by mail proposal.

Wisconsin
Governor Doyle has introduced an election reform proposal. Among its elements are early voting (on the same schedule as absentee balloting) at various locations. (ED: This will avoid the problems encountered by Florida and Georgia in the 2004 campaign.)
"While early voting will be available at municipal clerks' offices, the Governor's early voting proposal will also allow municipalities to establish satellite early voting locations at places such as grocery stores, shopping malls, libraries, community centers, and senior centers. Voters may also cast their ballot by mail." Wisconsinpolitics.com See also the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.