LANSING, Mich. (May 1, 2024) — Today, Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) testified before the Senate Elections and Ethics Committee on the Michigan Voting Rights Act. The bill, SB 401, part of the voting rights package (SB 401–404) that Camilleri has helped lead from the beginning, aims to ensure voting rights are protected in state law and build upon the legacy of the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 by providing avenues for voters of color and protected classes to defend their right to vote and access fair political representation. Sen. Camilleri issued the following statement after his testimony:
“In order to make democracy work, we must protect the right of all eligible people in this state to vote. We can’t ignore the fact that our democracy is under attack. We can’t pretend that biases do not persist today. As Michigan’s elected leaders, we must and will protect voters against the anti-democratic forces attempting to infiltrate our election process.
“The Michigan Voting Rights Act will codify these protections and ensure all voters in Michigan will be protected — regardless of changes at the federal level.
“We need this legislation now more than ever to strengthen our democracy and stand up for fair representation and access to the ballot box in our state.”
Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) testifies before the Michigan Senate Elections and Ethics Committee on his legislation, Senate Bill 401, and the entire Michigan Voting Rights Act to strengthen democracy in our state.