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Dear Neighbor, I want to make sure you’re informed about what has been going on in our state government and update you on what I’ve been working on. In this e-news, you can find information about:
As always, you can reach my office at (517) 373-2406 or by replying to this email.
Sincerely, |
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Registering to Vote: Registering to vote has never been easier. You can register online, in person at your local clerk’s office or by mail. If you register online, you will need a valid State of Michigan Driver’s License or State ID. Register to vote online here. The deadline for registering online is 15 days before Election Day — Monday, Oct. 24th. If you register to vote by mail, you can either mail your local clerk and request a voter registration form, or print, fill out, and mail the voter registration application to your local clerk. Find your local clerk’s office here. |
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Absentee Ballots Are Available for the Nov. 8th Election: Absentee ballots are now available to all registered voters! You can now request one online, via mail or in-person from your local clerk. You can apply online at Michigan.gov/Vote or print an application form from the site and mail, email, or hand deliver it to your local clerk. You can also find your clerk’s contact information at Michigan.gov/Vote. Voters with disabilities may apply online for an accessible electronic absent voter ballot at Michigan.gov/Vote or Michigan.gov/AccessibleBallot. The accessible ballot can be completed electronically, printed, and returned to their clerk. You can also track your ballot to ensure it’s been safely and timely received by your clerk at Michigan.gov/Vote. For more information on absentee voting, or to register to vote, go to Michigan.gov/Vote. Clerks must receive absentee ballots by 8 p.m., Tues., Nov. 8 for the upcoming general election. For those voting from jail, advocates recommend mailing ballots by Sat., Oct. 29 or as soon as possible. Criminal Record or on Parole/Probation? You Can Vote! It’s a common misconception to think that people convicted of a felony can never vote again, or that a person on parole or probation, or in jail cannot vote either. In fact, they can all vote. Here are answers to some common questions about this: If I have a criminal conviction, can I vote? What if I’m on probation or parole? Yes, you can vote! Only those convicted and serving out a sentence in jail or prison are unable to vote in Michigan. If you are on parole or probation, you can vote. What if I was convicted of a felony? You can vote! Your voting rights are naturally restored after you serve your sentence. Do I need to fill out some paperwork or get approval from a judge to vote? No. There is no paperwork or approval needed to regain your voting rights, but you may need to register or re-register to vote if this is your first time voting in years. You also have the right to vote with an absentee or mail-in ballot or to use early voting. Can I still vote if I don’t have a permanent address, or an ID? If you do not have a permanent address, you still have the right to vote. You can If I’m confined in a Michigan jail, can I vote? If you’re in jail awaiting a trial or sentence, you can still vote if you meet other eligibility criteria — you’re a U.S. citizen and will be at least age 18 by Election Day and a resident of the Michigan city or township where you’re registering for at least 30 days before Election Day. If I’m in jail awaiting a trial or sentence, what address do I register to vote at? If you’re incarcerated and eligible to vote, for the purposes of registering, you are considered a resident of the address where you resided before confinement. If I’m in jail, how can I register to vote? Sometimes staff from clerk’s offices or volunteers visit local county jails to distribute voter registration forms and register eligible voters in person. But if not, registering to vote by mail is the best option. You can write a letter to your local clerk’s office and request that a registration form be mailed back. It’s recommended that mailing voter registration application forms to local clerks’ offices be sent no later than Fri., Oct. 14. Voting In-Person: On Tues., Nov. 8 (Election Day) the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Your Voter Identification Card lists your precinct number and the location of your assigned polling place. If you do not receive your card within three weeks after registering, contact your city or township clerk’s office to confirm your registration status. You can also check your voting status online here. To vote in-person state law requires either a Michigan driver’s license or state ID card, or sign an affidavit attesting that you are not in possession of a picture ID. If you don’t have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID card, you can use:
REMEMBER: You cannot be turned away from the polls if you do not have an ID. You can vote like anyone else by signing an affidavit that must be provided to you. Mock Ballot: If you’re curious about what candidates and proposals are on your ballot this year, you can check out the mock ballot here. |
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE This week, we made a huge investment in college affordability, families and our children’s futures. We approved additional funding and details for the Michigan Achievement Scholarships. |
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These scholarships will provide up to:
These scholarships will be available to students in families where the expected family contribution (household income and the ability to pay) is less than $25,000. This means that 3 in 4 Michigan families will be eligible. Other requirements for these scholarships are that the student must attend school in Michigan, be a Michigan resident for at least one year before application, be a full-time student, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and apply for all available gift aid each year. Applications for Michigan Achievement Scholarships will be available for the 2023-24 academic year.
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS Friends In Deed is an incredible group that has been serving the Ypsilanti Community for 40 years, providing community services to residents. It was an honor to help them commemorate their 40th anniversary with a tribute and see the unveiling of their community mural. |
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If you or anyone you know needs assistance, don’t hesitate to contact them at (734) 484-4357 or HelpLine@FriendsInDeedMI.org. For more information about the organization, visit friendsindeedmi.org.
WATER BILL ASSISTANCE Need help paying outstanding water and wastewater bills? The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program provides up to $650 for water and wastewater bill payments for household accounts in arrears or disconnected status, and/or assistance for fees associated with reconnecting services. Dexter, Milan, Saline, Superior Township, Sylvan Township, Village of Manchester, and the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority are all participating in this program with Augusta Township and Ann Arbor joining soon. More info can be found here: www.washtenaw.org/3633/LIHWAP
MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE Homeowners can apply for the MIHAF program here. Before you start, please make sure you have all the necessary documents and information. You can find what documents and information you’ll need here. Who Is Eligible?
Up to $25,000 Grant Per Household Eligible households can receive a grant worth up to $25,000 to help them pay:
COVID-19 RESOURCES General Vaccination Info The Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) has an ongoing vaccination site that is appointment only located at 555 Towner, Ypsilanti, MI 48198.
If you are unable to go to a vaccination site, please contact the WCHD to ask about home visits through their Nurse on the Run program. Leave a message at 734-544-6700 or email health@washtenaw.org. You must meet homebound criteria to qualify for home visits. Please check the WCHD website for more info about additional doses for immunocompromised people: www.washtenaw.org/3269/COVID-19-Vaccination Booster Shots: The Washtenaw County Health Department is offering Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson booster doses at their clinic at 555 Towner in Ypsilanti. They ask that you please bring your vaccination card and identification, if possible. COVID Testing: Lynx XD has a drive-thru saliva PCR testing site in Ann Arbor. Pre-registration is required: lynxdx.health/register. Once you pre-register, you will be directed to schedule a time/date for your test.
ENERGY BILL ASSISTANCE AND SHUTOFF PROTECTION We have numerous utility shutoff protection programs and programs that will help you afford your utility bills during the winter. These programs range from bill payment assistance to assistance winterizing your home. Check out our list of these programs here: https://bit.ly/3HCZLUC
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