(04/12/2002) Secretary of State Candice S. Miller today said when Washington gives final approval to election reforms, as is now expected, it will be a win-win for Michigan because they will be largely based on reforms Michigan has implemented over the past several years.

Michigan’s chief elections officer noted that since federal reforms will be largely based on a Michigan model, Michigan would be in compliance with the major provisions outlined in the anticipated federal legislation.

Secondly, Michigan has enacted a law called for by Secretary Miller that sets the stage for Michigan to spend federal dollars to purchase a uniform voting system when those federal dollars become available.

“Less than a year ago we issued a report on why a statewide uniform voting system makes sense and today, Michigan has a law on the books that positions us to purchase that system when federal money becomes available,” Secretary Miller explained.  “Under that new state law (PA 91 of 2002) and for the first time in history, decisions on the type of voting equipment used in Michigan will be made at the state level with the advice of local election officials.”

Secretary Miller expressed confidence that meaningful election reform will be a reality and with it will come funding for a statewide voting system.

“Voting equipment is critical to the process and that’s why in the wake of the 2000 election, I quickly outlined the reasons why Michigan needs a uniform voting system for the 21st century,” Secretary Miller concluded.  “Our new state law paves the way for that system if federal funds become available, which I am convinced will happen.”

Secretary Miller made her observation following approval by the U.S. Senate of legislation that calls on states to implement election reforms, including statewide voter registration databases and uniform voting systems.

“Michigan has a proud tradition as a leader in election administration and that legacy has become a national model for ensuring the integrity of the voting process,” Secretary Miller said today.  “We have demonstrated how innovation and technology can be used to ensure that every vote counts and very soon the good news we’ve known in Michigan will be a standard across the nation.”

The proposed federal legislation calls on states to implement statewide voter registration databases similar to Michigan’s Qualified Voter File (QVF).  The QVF is widely recognized as the most innovative and meaningful voter registration reform initiative in the country.

In its report on federal election reform, the Ford-Carter Commission said Michigan’s QVF is noteworthy because Michigan is the most populous state to have fully implemented such a system with more than 1,500 separate election jurisdictions.