A group called Promote the Vote wants to make private funding of elections, early voting, and the use of ballot drop boxes part of the Michigan Constitution. The proposed constitutional amendment reads in part, “A county, city, or township conducting an election may accept and use publicly-disclosed charitable donations and in-kind contributions to conduct and administer elections.” In 2018, Promote the Vote sponsored a successful petition drive that led to voter-approved amendments which allowed no-excuse absentee voting, same-day voter registration, and automatic voter registration for any person having contact with an office of the Michigan Secretary of State. A little over 425,000 valid signatures must be obtained by July 11 for the initiative to be placed on this fall’s ballot. If approved by voters, the changes would be in effect for the 2024 presidential election. The proposal, if approved, would mandate the installation and use of at least one “state-funded secure” …