LANSING, Mich. (May 13, 2026) — As efforts to restrict access to the ballot box continue to gain traction nationwide — culminating last week in the U.S. Supreme Court’s sweeping rollback of key protections under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 — Michigan Senate Democrats are fighting back. Today, Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) and his colleagues reintroduced legislation that would establish Michigan’s own Voting Rights Act, helping ensure every eligible Michigander can have access to this fundamental right.
“As last week’s Louisiana v. Callais decision makes clear: our voting rights are under attack,” said Sen. Camilleri. “This is not hypothetical or alarmist; this is a real concerted threat to one of the most fundamental rights in our democracy. But here in Michigan, we are choosing to take a different approach: one where every eligible voter can cast their ballot freely, safely, and with confidence that their voice will be heard. We anticipated attempts to weaken the federal Voting Rights Act, which is why establishing these strong protections at the state level is more important now than ever before.”
Senate Bills 961-964 make up a comprehensive, pro-democracy package that builds on previous efforts to uphold the integrity of the state’s election process, ensuring voters are both physically and legally protected and accommodated, and that local election officials comply with state law. More specifically, the Michigan Voting Rights Act would:
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Prohibit voter denial, dilution, and/or suppression and provide remedies for violations.
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Create a nonpartisan and transparent voter institute and database to provide a center for research, training, and information on voting systems and election administration, with easy-to-access information in one location.
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Require and expand the jurisdictions that must translate election-related information into languages other than English to ensure that language minority groups in our state have an equal opportunity to participate in the voting process.
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Enhance and clarify protections for voters with disabilities or who otherwise need assistance to vote.
“As the Trump administration, Congress, and even the U.S. Supreme Court are silencing voters across our nation, we as state lawmakers must work even harder to assure ballot access in Michigan,” said Sen. Moss, Chair of the Senate Elections Committee. “Our Senate Majority has made historic progress in reducing barriers to voting. We remain committed to ensuring that every eligible voter in Michigan has the right to free, fair, and transparent elections. These protections in the Michigan Voting Rights Act will confront the dangerous rhetoric and actions from Washington claiming our votes and voices don’t matter.”
“At a time when the U.S. Supreme Court is slashing key Voting Rights Act protections, we must safeguard Michiganders’ fundamental right to vote,” said Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor). “We all deserve access to a welcoming democratic process without fear of intimidation or discrimination, and with the reintroduction of the MRVA, I’m proud to say that we’re one step closer to achieving that reality here in Michigan. My Democratic colleagues and I will continue working hard to ensure that every Michigan voter feels empowered to participate in our sacred democracy.”
“Ensuring our elections are accessible to every Michigan citizen — of every identity, language, and ability — is of critical importance now more than ever,” said Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “With the Voting Rights Act now eroded by the U.S. Supreme Court, rolling back decades of progress, our state legislation provides comprehensive protections that strengthen voting rights here in Michigan. Increasing reasonable language services through translated ballots and bilingual poll workers is a no-brainer, as we must increase avenues for every eligible voter to participate accurately and fully within our democracy.”
“All over the country, we’re witnessing accelerated, shameless efforts to disenfranchise and suppress Black and minority voters,” said Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield), lead sponsor of the Michigan Voting Rights Act in the state House. “What is happening in Tennessee, Alabama, and other states cannot happen in Michigan. We must act. The Michigan Voting Rights Act will protect the fundamental right to vote and ensure every eligible voter can participate freely, fairly, and without discrimination. That’s what we’re fighting for.”
This package was developed with input from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and numerous advocacy organizations that focus on expanding voter accessibility here in Michigan and across the nation. When it was introduced in the Senate last session, the legislation garnered support from dozens of organizations, including the Fair Elections Center, Michigan League for Public Policy, NAACP Michigan State Conference, Brennan Center for Justice, Michigan League of Women Voters, and more.
Senate Bills 961-964 have been assigned to the Senate Committee on Elections and Ethics for further consideration.