Tell Your Michigan Lawmakers to Pass the Michigan Voting Rights Act — Before It’s Too Late!

Michiganders abroad, your voice matters. In recent years, Michigan voters have expanded voter registration options, including increased access to absentee ballots and the option to vote early in-person – but the work isn’t done. Michigan is racing to enact voter protections this week – before the new GOP-led legislature is sworn in.

The state legislature is voting on the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MVRA) – a four-bill package that would expand on the federal Voting Rights Act to add new voter protections in Michigan. It would prohibit voter suppression, ensure  equity and fairness of voting access, particularly for voters of color, voters with disabilities, and voters with limited English proficiency who are more at risk of being denied their voting rights. The bills have already passed the state Senate but are now in the state House.

What Does the MVRA Do? 

• Fights discrimination at the polls with new legal tools.
• Expands language assistance for voters with limited English proficiency.
• Ensures transparency with advance public notice of changes affecting elections.
• Protects voters with disabilities by improving assistance options.
• Promotes accountability by establishing a hub for election information and best practices.
• Prevents harm by requiring places with past discriminatory practices to prove future changes won’t negatively impact voters.

Here's what the Michigan’s Secretary of State’s office has to say about the MRVA.

Act Now—The Clock Is Ticking 

Lawmakers need to hear from YOU—their constituents—to move this critical legislation forward before time runs out on December 19th. Please take a moment today to urge your Michigan State House Representative to support the Michigan Voting Rights Act and strengthen voting rights for all. 

Next Steps

1. Find your representative (use your U.S. voting address)

2. Call or email their offices and ask that they support the MRVA! 

Sample script:

Subject: I urge you to pass the Michigan Voting Rights Act

Dear Representative,

The MVRA enshrines core protections against voter discrimination, helps voters to resolve complaints, and makes voting more accessible for thousands of citizens for whom English is not their first or strongest language, and for those with disabilities. It underscores and enshrines election officials’ ongoing responsibility to administer nondiscriminatory elections without significant budget impacts, as written. 

Passage of a Michigan VRA is more important than ever as the federal Voting Rights Act has recently come under assault, and we anticipate an increase in the gutting of civil rights laws—including core protections for our fundamental right to vote. Please pass the Michigan Voting Rights Act without delay.

Sincerely, 

[First Name] [Last Name]