Detroit Regional Chamber > Chamber > Detroit Chamber: Prop 2 Good for Democracy and Michigan Business

Detroit Chamber: Prop 2 Good for Democracy and Michigan Business

October 24, 2022

The Detroit Regional Chamber’s Vice President of Government Relations, Brad Williams, shares the importance of Proposal 2 in his Crain’s Detroit Business op-ed piece below:

Crain’s Detroit Business
Oct. 24, 2022
Brad Williams

Brad WilliamsProposal 2 is good for democracy, and a strong democracy is good for business.

Healthy democracies marked by election integrity and strong voter participation contribute to a host of economic and societal benefits like more predictable business climates, less corruption, greater wealth and higher levels of education, among others.

At the Detroit Regional Chamber, we strive to be a model of civic leadership that businesses and organizations in communities across Michigan can emulate. That’s why we are urging all Michigan businesses and employees to vote yes on Proposal 2.

A non-partisan initiative, Proposal 2 starts with a simple premise: Michiganders deserve secure and accessible elections that protect the right of eligible voters to cast their ballots, no matter what they look like or who they support. In endorsing Proposal 2, the Chamber reflects Michiganders’ belief that voting is a right for all Americans.

Proposal 2’s non-partisan approach emphasizes protecting individuals’ right to vote as well as election integrity to ensure voters’ needs – whether regarding health care, infrastructure, business regulations, etc. – are heard and entrusted to trustworthy government leaders.

The same focus on great customer service and experience that businesses employ should be applied to voters and the election process. Proposal 2 will enshrine common-sense policies into our constitution, like Michigan’s current, effective voter ID requirement that ensures election integrity. This encourages robust voter participation and increased visibility of the issues most important to them.

The proposal will establish new procedures that would bring Michigan in line with other states. For instance, military members defending our democracy abroad will have a grace period of six days after Election Day to have their mailed ballots counted to ensure their votes are included.

Further, Proposal 2 will allow for nine days of early in-person voting, giving working parents more flexibility to cast their votes in a convenient way. Voters can apply once for an absentee ballot and be registered for all subsequent elections. Proposal 2 also requires secure drop boxes and audits conducted by election officials, not outside third parties.

By clarifying who can vote, when and how, Proposal 2 creates certainty for voters, supports our election infrastructure and protects individuals from harassment and intimidation.

Proposal 2 comes at a crucial time in our history and passing it protects every eligible voter’s right to be counted while securing the foundations of our economy for long-term and sustained growth. This is essential to the future health of elections, democracy and business in Michigan.