October 22, 2021
Friends,
As your State Senator, I want to make sure you’re informed about state and local issues affecting our community and our state. To that end, featured in this edition is information on how to vote this November, tips on how to have a safe Halloween, and a reminder to get your flu vaccine this year.
Should you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-8360 or by email at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov. We are happy to serve you.
Warmest regards,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 9
CELEBRATING FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY DAY
Last week, I was honored to celebrate Filipino American History Day with advocates at the State Capitol! Thank you to Willie Dechavez, Executive Director of the U.S. Filipinos for Good Governance, Michigan Chapter and others who visited and shared their rich heritage and history.
VOTERS CAN REGISTER, CAST BALLOT IN ONE TRIP AHEAD OF NOV. 2 ELECTIONS
Michigan residents in the communities holding local elections Nov. 2 who have not yet registered to vote can still do so, in person at their local clerk’s office now through 8 p.m. on Election Day. They can also apply for and return an absentee ballot at the clerk’s office during the same trip. Online registration closes 15 days before an election and is no longer available for the Nov. 2 election.
Voters can view a sample ballot, find their local clerk and their polling place, and apply for an absentee ballot at Michigan.gov/Vote.
Voters who already have an absentee ballot are encouraged to return it as soon as possible by hand-delivering it to their clerk’s office or ballot drop box. Locations of drop boxes for individual jurisdictions can be found at Michigan.gov/Vote. All absentee ballot return envelopes must be signed by the voter for their ballot to be counted.
MDHHS RECOMMENDS BEST PRACTICES TO SAFELY CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN
To keep Halloween a safe and fun holiday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering tips and tricks for all Michiganders.
Tips for trick-or-treaters and parents:
- Talk with children about Halloween safety and expectations.
- Stay outdoors for activities, particularly if participants are not vaccinated.
- Trick or treat in small groups.
- Avoid congregating in groups around houses.
- If indoors or in crowded outdoor settings, wear a face mask coveringboth mouth and nose (a costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask).
- Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask if wearing both causes difficulty breathing. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
Tips for homeowners to consider:
- Distribute candy on a table to eliminate direct contact.
- Consider handing out candy in an open space where distancing is possible, rather than from the front door.
- Consider a neighborhood costume parade; it is an easy way to keep safe space between children.
MDHHS URGES RESIDENTS TO GET FLU VACCINE DURING UPCOMING SEASON
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging Michiganders to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible to protect themselves and their communities from the influenza virus.
Getting a flu vaccine is critical this season because flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will likely be spreading simultaneously. Importantly, residents are able to get their COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as their flu vaccine. According to the CDC, those who are at higher risk for contracting flu are also at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19. Vaccinations for both COVID-19 and the flu are safe, effective strategies to protect ourselves and our communities from illness.
Last flu season, approximately 3.5 million people in Michigan received a flu vaccine as reported to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR). The state has set a goal of vaccinating a total of 4 million Michiganders for the 2021-2022 flu season.
Flu vaccines are available now at local health departments, physician offices and pharmacies around the state. Find a location near you using the Vaccine Finder. Visit Michigan.gov/flu for more information or visit IVaccinate.org to find answers to your vaccine questions.