Because of one court case in Detroit, Clarkston-area absentee voters may find themselves disenfranchised if they don’t act soon.
Voters 60 years and older used to receive absentee ballots automatically, but not anymore. Now, they must request an absentee ballot by either calling the township, writing a letter with their signature on it, or going to their clerk’s office.
‘We cannot send out any unsolicited applications for absentee ballot applications because of that court case,? said Sandy Miller, elections administrator for Independence Township. ‘I’ve told people to tell their church organizations, friends, and neighbors, anyone over 60, that they’re not getting their applications.?
The Wayne County Circuit Court, in a case against Jackie Currie, former Detroit city clerk, ruled unsolicited absentee ballot applications could no longer be mailed to voters. Currie appealed the case, but it was upheld Oct. 25 by the Michigan Court of Appeals.
‘I think what happen in Detroit should have stayed in Detroit, but it went to a higher court,” Miller said. “Because it went to a higher court, it made things hard for the entire state of Michigan,?
It was normal protocol for clerk’s offices across the state to send out absentee-ballot applications to voters more than 60 years old, said Miller.
‘We feel bad because our residents have come to expect this, but our hands our tied ? we have to follow the law,” said Clerk Shelagh Vanderveen.
“It is mandated that we not do this and they are very strict on what we can send out to people. We had thought about sending out a letter, but that was viewed as soliciting.?
In Independence Township, voters could request to be put on a permanent absentee ballot list, and they would receive them in the mail each election, Miller said.
‘Over-60 people have gotten applications for the last 10-15 years automatically, she said. “It’s really caught people off guard.”
Call Independence Township, 90 N. Main St., at 248-625-5111; Springfield Township, 12000 Davisburg Road, 248-846-6510; and City of the Village of Clarkston, 375 Depot Road, 248 625-1559.