Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Julie Calley to protect the integrity of elections in Michigan was signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder last week.

Calley’s legislation, Public Act 126 of 2018, requires the Secretary of State to keep the list of people who are registered and qualified to vote in Michigan up to date by checking it against U.S. Social Security Administration’s death records.

The legislation also requires continued participation in a multi-state program that shares information on current address and registration status of voters.

“Election integrity and security are vital concerns,” said Calley, of Portland. “We must do everything we can to ensure them that our qualified voter file is being held to the highest standard possible. When someone passes away or moves to another state, it’s important to update our voter rolls promptly to eliminate the possibility of voter fraud.”

While the Secretary of State already uses the resources to update the qualified voter file, Calley said, it was not required by law. This law ensures the practice continues in the future.

Two other bills recently enacted explain a procedure where absentee voters can change their mind, spoil their absentee ballot and revote. The other clarifies the current list of acceptable forms of identification for elections.

“Establishing these current practices as law ensures the Secretary of State and local election officials are all on the same page, and provides residents with confidence in the database of qualified voters,” said Calley, who serves as vice chair of the House Elections and Ethics Committee.