Voting bill generates debate in Lansing

After passing through the State Senate in March, a bill, which could adversely affect the voting ability of college students, will be presented to the House either today or tomorrow.

The bill, introduced by State Sen. Mike Rogers (R-Howell), would require a person's voting address and the one on their driver's license to be identical.

Several House Democrats met with college students last week to discuss the implications of this bill. They said because many students list their parents' home address as a permanent residence, this bill would prevent students from voting in the city where they attend school.

The bill has aroused ardent protest from these representatives, who said the bill is not only damaging to students, but is also unnecessary and unconstitutional.

These opponents also argue that voter fraud, which the bill aims to suppress, is not a problem in Michigan.

"There is no one who can tell us why it's a good bill or why we're doing it," Rep. Kwame Kilpatrick (D-Detroit) said.

Kilpatrick alleged the bill serves no public policy, and that the motives behind its introduction were purely political.

He said he suspects Rogers, whose district includes the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing, introduced the bill to gain an edge in the upcoming November elections.

"Mike Rogers is trying to suppress the student vote," Kilpatrick said, explaining that in the upcoming election state Republicans expect college students to support Democratic candidates.

But Rogers contends that the bill will only make it easier for students to vote, and that Kilpatrick's allegations are unfounded.

"The bill is all about the integrity of the voter file," Rogers said.

Bill Knowling, Roger's spokesperson, said in order for a person to register to vote in Ann Arbor they would have to change their legal residence to an Ann Arbor address, but he said the bill will actually make residence changes easier.

Rep. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) said the bill is questionable in its constitutionality, and would harm student participation in politics if passed.

Brater and Kilpatrick both said the bill is divided along partisan lines, and will pass in the House because of the Republican majority.

But according to Mike Rogers, this bill is not a partisan issue, but simply good policy. He said that an identical bill was presented to the Senate last year, and passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, 35 to 1.

"It was good policy last year, and it's good policy this year," said Rogers.

Michigan Student Assembly President Bram Elias said the bill "almost seems like a concerted effort to prevent students from voting."

Elias, an LSA senior, said that since the bill will force students to change their addresses every time they move, it may prove to be an unnecessary hassle and a notion that is out of touch with student life.

05-24-99