GM, Ford CEOs among titans challenging Michigan ballot strictures

A battle is expected after Michigan Republicans last month filed 39 proposed changes to the state’s voting rules, citing an interest in improving election integrity.

The nation’s fight over voter inclusion heated up in Michigan, with General Motors Co. Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra and Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley headlining a group of 38 business leaders in the state who signed a letter to the state’s lawmakers saying that any changes to voting laws shouldn’t restrict people from casting ballots, especially historically disenfranchised communities. With Michigan’s Republican-led Senate expected to soon start hearings on a range of election proposals, the group of business leaders sent a letter dated April 13 that stated eight principles supporting people’s right to vote and opposing anythingCo seen as unfair restrictions. A battle is expected after Michigan Republicans last month filed 39 proposed changes to the state’s voting rules, citing an interest in improving election integrity. Democrats have criticized some of the new rules as unfair, especially provisions that would restrict mail-in ballots, which the party’s supporters overwhelmingly favor.