Hayley Harding

Hayley Harding

Reporter, Votebeat

Hayley Harding is a Detroit-based reporter who has covered government and the people who run it at all levels. She covers voting and election administration in Michigan. Before that, she was a data journalist on The Detroit News’ investigations team, where she covered population trends, social problems, and more. She has worked for the Idaho Statesman in Boise and for the Salisbury Daily Times in Salisbury, Maryland. A Michigander by birth, Hayley graduated from Ohio University.

Rachelle Smit is ‘not shy’ about repeating false claims of fraud in 2020. Now she’ll help shape state election law as Republicans look to add a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters.

The proposal would amend the state constitution and come before voters next year. It would apply retroactively to currently registered voters.

Michigan is my home. And we need more reporting on how our democracy works.

The change lines up with priorities identified by Republican leaders, including tighter rules on proof of citizenship and voter ID.

If enacted, the bills would change not only how circulators are paid but what they are allowed to tell voters.

A voter will continue to trial after allegedly casting two ballots in Michigan’s August primary.

The package of bills would expand access to more languages and protect ballot access in a variety of ways. Clerks are concerned about the costs and penalties they would impose.

The drama of 2020 was gone, replaced by specific questions about how elections work and a straightforward vote.