LANSING, Mich. (April 17, 2024) — Earlier this week, Senate Elections and Ethics Committee Chair Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson held a community forum in Detroit where they discussed the proposed Michigan Voting Rights Act (MVRA) and other recently passed election improvements.
“We’ve been steadfast in our mission to reduce barriers to voting in Michigan and we will continue this work with our Voting Rights Act to ensure accessibility to the ballot is legally protected,” said Sen. Moss. “Ahead of this important election, it is imperative that we fight against all forms of voter suppression and empower every citizen to exercise their right to vote free from discrimination and intimidation.”
The MVRA, Senate Bills 401–404, was introduced last year and will continue Senate Democrats’ efforts to improve every aspect of elections, ensuring voters are physically and legally protected throughout the process and local election officials comply with state law.
“We are entrenched in a fight for our democracy — while our opponents take new shapes, the fight is generations old,” said Secretary of State Benson. “The Michigan Voting Rights Act is essential to protect the access voters have today and ensure our election system remains secure and accessible for all eligible citizens. The MVRA will restore and strengthen the rights in the federal Voting Rights Act while responding to new threats to our democracy.”
Forum participants included Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony from the Detroit Branch of the NAACP and representatives from the ACLU of Michigan, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, MI PODER, Promote The Vote, Detroit Disability Power, We The People, and All Voting Is Local. Each group spoke of the voting accessibility challenges their constituents face each election.
“I’ve been honored to help lead the effort to create the Michigan Voting Rights Act, comprehensive legislation that would codify federal voting protections in state law, empower citizens, and safeguard democracy,” said Sen. Camilleri. “Every individual deserves to have their voice heard at the ballot box, and we’re working every day to make these vital changes and improve voter access for all Michiganders.”
The MVRA would build on the successful federal Voting Rights Act that has been in place for almost 60 years and add additional protections at the state level. The federal act provides protections for racial, ethnic and language minority groups who historically — and currently — endure barriers to the right to vote.
However, over the past decade there has been an open, active and relentless assault on the federal Voting Rights Act and the protections at the federal level and in state houses across the country. While attacks to dismantle the federal act began almost as soon as the law became effective in 1965, the Shelby County v. Holder case in 2013, and others like it, continue to chip away voter protections that were and continued to be fought for.
“I am proud to stand alongside my fellow lawmakers and colleagues who are committed to upholding the integrity of our electoral system,” said Sen. Geiss. “I am equally as proud to have sponsored Senate Bill 404 to best improve voting procedures and enhance voter access and assistance provisions. With the Michigan Voting Rights Act, we ensure that every person in the state of Michigan has the opportunity to fully participate in the democratic process — now and for years to come.”
“Michigan is becoming a more diverse state, with 38.9 percent of Michiganders being English Language Learners,” said Sen. Chang. “Ensuring that all voters, regardless of their ability to read or understand English, can accurately cast their ballot is critical for our democracy. We are a better state and democracy when more voters of all backgrounds and abilities participate in elections. I am proud to be part of the Michigan Voting Rights Act to increase language access in elections by filling in key gaps in federal law, and I looking forward to the work ahead to strengthen voting rights and access for more Michigan voters.”
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At this event, Sen. Moss, Sen. Camilleri, Sen. Chang, Sen. Geiss, and Secretary of State Benson speak with residents about the MVRA and other elections-related legislation that Senate Democrats spearheaded. Forum participants included Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony from the Detroit Branch of the NAACP and representatives from the ACLU of Michigan, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, MI PODER, Promote The Vote, Detroit Disability Power, We The People, and All Voting Is Local. Each group spoke of the voting accessibility challenges their constituents face each election.