September is National Voter Registration Month. September 24 is National Voter Registration Day

Our Belle Ringers

The Belle Ringers are non-competitive awards that give recognition to League members working in the trenches to improve our democracy. These awards are named for  Florence Belle Brotherton, the first president of the LWV of Michigan from 1919-1921.

These awards were presented at the State Convention in May 2019.

Advocacy

Karen Sherwood

Karen volunteered to testify in the LWV v Johnson lawsuit as a voter who was "harmed" by the current gerrymandering of State Senate District 36, and U.S. Congressional District 4.

 

Voter Service

Susan McCollister

Susan worked tirelessly to organize Vote 411 entries, a printed Voters Guide, and candidate forums for all local contested races in the primary and general elections of 2018.

 

Member Recruitment & Engagement

Carol McPherson

Carol provides a vibrant and enthusiastic service as our membership chair, bringing in many new members representing a younger and more diverse demographic.

 

Strategic Planning and/or Fundraising

Judy Donahue

Judy keeps us on track with event planning, including an eagle eye on the budget. She helps us narrow our grand ideas to doable and affordable events.

Thank you for your tireless contributions to Making Democracy Work.

Tues, Sept 24, 7pm

Creative 360 (1517 Bayliss Street)

As Census Hub Coordinator for the Great Lakes Bay Region, Updegraff works to ensure the region receives an accurate count in the upcoming 2020 census. To achieve this goal, she works with local non-profits, community organizations, colleges/universities, and local government officials. 

The primary purpose of the Census is the apportionment of districts for U.S. Congress and State Legislature. The State of Michigan and non-profit organizations expect to receive an estimated $1,800 per person per year in federal support for each person counted. 

Programs that use census data such as Medicaid, nutrition assistance, highway construction and planning, Title I and Special Education Grants, Foster Care and Child Care Grants, K-12 education, Section 8 Vouchers, Head Start/Early Start depend on census data to determine funding for their programs.

Secretary of State's Citizen's Redistricting Commission website. 

Michigan Voters: New Rights in 2019

Register Anytime:

Register to vote anytime (until 2 weeks before the Election). 

Choices include: 

• In person at Secretary of State, City/Township or County Clerk's office 
• By mail (download an application at www.Michigan.gov/sos) 
• Voter Registration Drive 
• Online (when it is implemented)

After the 15th day before the Election, you must register in person at the clerk's office with proof of residency. Proof of residency is

• driver's license or personal ID card, 
• or any of the following (if proof is current and has your name and address on it) current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or government document (electronic ok). 

No Reason Absentee Voting 

• Apply for an Absentee Ballot either by downloading an application at www.Michigan.gov/sos or in person at your local or County Clerk office, or the Secretary of State Office. 

• Submit application for Absentee Ballot either in person or by mail to your City/Township Clerk's office. 

• When your Ballot is received either in person or in the mail, mark your ballot. Don't forget your signature on the envelope (or your vote won't be counted). Signature must match the signature on the absentee ballot application. 

• Make sure your Ballot is received in the Clerk's office before 8 p.m. on Election Day.  

Early Voting by Absentee Ballot 

• Beginning 45 days before the Election you can vote early in person. Apply for an Absentee Ballot either by downloading an application at www.Michigan.gov/sos or in person at your local or County Clerk's office.

• You can both apply for and vote in the same visit to your local City/Township Clerk's office (until 4 p.m. the day before the Election). Or you can take your ballot home (and return by 8 p.m. on Election Day).  

Extra hours! 

• City/Township Clerk offices must be open for at least 8 hours the weekend before the Election to allow for registration and voting by Absentee Ballot. Check for your clerk's specific hours at www.mi.gov/vote
• Election Day: Only Voters who need to register or update their registration address can register and vote in the City/Township Clerk office (until 8 p.m.). Voters already registered must vote at their polling location. 

Straight Party Voting 

The option to select all the candidates from one party by simply voting a Straight-Party Ballot will always be an option if there is a PARTISAN section to the Ballot. This box eliminates the need to check each partisan candidate individually. 

 

Automatic Voter Registration (coming) All eligible citizens who are not registered to vote will be automatically registered to vote if they conduct any business with the Secretary of State office, unless the citizen opts out. 

 

Online Voter Registration (coming) 

The Legislature passed legislation to allow for online voter registration. It is expected to begin in the fall of 2019. 

 

Other Voting Rights included in Proposal 3: Military Ballots, Secret Ballot, Election Audit (2020) 

 

Online PDF of this information 

 

--from Betsy Cushman, LWVMI Vice-President, Voter Services

Published in League Links August 2019

Women Who Made History

People needed to help transcribe Suffragist papers - diaries, letters, fliers, etc. Don't be shy, if you can read cursive, you have skills that are needed. See here.

Board Members

The board meets the First Thursday of each month at Creative360, 9:30-11:30. No meeting in June or July. All members are welcome. 

President -  Kim Steinke

Treasurer - Karen Sherwood

Secretary - Judy McDowell

Board Changes: