Holland Reporter

Opponents of an effort to secure Michigan's elections with more stringent voter ID requirements allegedly orchestrated a "scheme to pay off" petition circulators, according to a May 11 report by Bridge Michigan.

A complaint obtained by Bridge Michigan states the effort violates campaign finance laws.

Protect MI (Michigan) Vote, an organization that opposes the Republican-led ballot measure "Secure MI Vote," recently hired a Missouri-based consulting firm to contract with and “secretly buy out” circulators so they would not work for the conservative campaign, Bridge Michigan reported.

“Protect the Vote is undermining the vote, not protecting it, by tampering with the public and suppressing Michiganders," Holland-based Republican activist Orlando Estrada told the Holland Reporter. "They’re protecting their political interests, whereas Secure the Vote is ensuring every Michiganders’ vote counts."

“Protect MI Vote’s scheme to pay off circulators not to engage in the Secure MI Vote Initiative petition is deplorable on its face and has no place in Michigan elections,” according to the complaint by professional signature gatherer Dustin Wefel, that was first reported by The Detroit News.

Most Michiganders, 65%, support showing an ID to vote, according to a recent statewide survey.

Voters currently do not have to show a photo ID to register to vote and a utility bill, paycheck stub, bank statement or government document showing the resident’s name and address can serve as a form of ID, according to the Michigan Secretary of State's office.

“Protect MI Vote is only protecting the right to cheat,” said Secure MI Vote spokesperson, Jamie Roe. “We have long heard rumors of Protect MI Vote’s illegal scheme but could not prove it until Dustin Wefel bravely came forward to expose it."

Secure MI Vote is among more than a dozen petitions trying to get on the November ballot, according to Bridge Michigan.

 Michiganders can learn more about Secure MI Vote and sign up to receive a petition at their website.