October 16th, 2008 9:19 AM

Voter challenge laws in the state of Michigan are stirring up controversy, as rumors circulate about the Republican Party's intention to use foreclosure lists to block voters at the polls.

You already know that bars and clubs have bouncers. But did you know there might be a bouncer at your polling place on Election Day, too?

Voter challenge laws have faced their fair share of controversy. The legislation authorizes the deployment of volunteers to verify voters' identities at polling places. Proponents of these laws argue that they're a necessary part of minimizing voter fraud. Critics say that the laws are abused by political parties to intimidate and suppress certain voter groups.  

In recent weeks, as foreclosure rates continue to rise in certain key states, the voter challenge argument has heated up. Foreclosures are getting the attention because of the associated voter address changes that are likely to result. If a voter moves and doesn't update her voter registration, she may not be eligible to cast a ballot on Election Day.

The online publication, Michigan Messenger, recently printed a story about voter challenges entitled "Lose Your Home, Lose Your Vote." The story quoted the Macomb County Republican Party Chairman, James Carabelli, on his intention to use foreclosure lists to challenge voters in his precinct. Macomb County has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country, so an effort like this could affect a significant number of voters. The Messenger story also included a reference to Ohio's Franklin County Republican Chairman Doug Preisse, implying that he, too, had considered challenging voters with foreclosure lists.

The story quickly stirred an emotional debate among legal analysts, Democrats, Republicans, and homeowners. Carabelli has openly accused the publication of misleading the public and fabricating quotes. Preisse has demanded a retraction and apology, arguing that his statement-originally provided to another publication-was taken out of context.

The Michigan Republican Party has made its position on the subject clear. Calling the Michigan Messenger story meritless, the party says it has no intention of using foreclosure lists at the polls. The Michigan Republicans have confirmed that they'll use volunteers to challenge voters, but this effort will be made wholly within the confines of the law. Michigan law authorizes a voter challenge only where there's reason to question that voter's identity.

Foreclosed homeowners can protect their voter rights by keeping voter registration records current, in accordance with their own state deadlines. In Michigan, for example, voters must be registered 30 days before Election Day. Registration and address change forms are both available at Michigan.gov's Voter Information Center. Voters who take precautions to update their voter records shouldn't have much to worry about-even if there is an aggressive bouncer on patrol.

 

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