The state plans to fight a lawsuit filed in federal court by a group of Michigan college students.
The students say a law discriminates against young voters.
College students from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan have joined forces for the suit. They say a Michigan law creates barriers for young voters. They want to be able to use their temporary college address to vote, while still keeping a different permanent residence on their driver’s license. Right now, the address on your driver’s license is your voting address and determines your precinct.
Fred Woodhams is a spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s Office. He says the lawsuit comes as a surprise – especially because it was already litigated 20 years ago.
“We’re a staunch motor-voter state. Have been for decades and decades.”
The lawsuit also says the requirement that voters who register by mail cast their first ballot in person is unnecessarily burdensome.