The Michigan House of Representatives and state Rep. Mark Huizenga today approved a plan to increase penalties for election fraud.

“The people of Michigan want fair elections, free from illegal interference,” said Huizenga, of Walker. “The best way to keep our elections secure is to deter those who would violate our laws, and that’s why I support this straightforward plan to increase penalties on fraudulent activity.”

House Bills 4132 and 4133 would make the following illegal actions pertaining to absentee ballot applications, if done knowingly, felonies:

• Submitting an application containing false information or a forged signature;
• Filling out and submitting or causing the submission of an application containing another person’s information without consent, except as authorized by law; and
• Filling out and submitting or causing the submission of an application with the intent to obtain multiple ballots.

Each offense, other than forgery, is currently a misdemeanor. Under the plan, the felonies would be punishable by up to five years in prison.

“In 2018, Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment to allow no-reason absentee voting,” Huizenga said. “As more voters take advantage of the absentee option, we should make sure their right is protected by preventing people from abusing the expanded system and breaking the law.”

Similar legislation passed the Legislature with broad, bipartisan support in 2020, but Gov. Whitmer vetoed the bills.

HBs 4132-33 now advance to the Senate for consideration.