LWVDDH News, September 21, 2020
This LWVDDH News email is sent to LWVDDH members and supporters. For more information about any of the items or to share other voting related public affairs items for the newsletter, please contact us at info@lwvddh.org.
Empowering Voters
Defending Democracy
VOTING
Poll workers needed
Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and poll workers are the people who help make our democracy run. Poll workers are the paid staff that open and close polling locations, process voters, and process ballots, both in person and absentee. There is a nationwide poll worker shortage this year, primarily attributable to the coronavirus pandemic. Typically, older Americans are poll workers, and that’s dangerous this year for those who are at a higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19. Various states, including Michigan, are reporting shortfalls of thousands of poll workers, which can lead to polling places being closed, and voters having to wait in long lines and even be disenfranchised. Here in Michigan, there is a serious shortage of election workers, who are desperately needed to make sure every vote counts.

If you are healthy, and do not live with someone who is vulnerble, please consider signing up to be a poll worker. Go to MichiganVoting.org or michigan.gov/democracymvp. If you know you will only work in your city, contact your local clerk. Thanks.
National Voter Registration Day is September 22
So many good options for Michigan residents to register to vote.
You can register to vote even two weeks before the Election, including Election Day. You must appear in person at your clerk's office and be able to present proof of residency. To make sure you are already registered go to Michigan Voter Information Center. Here is a short video that explains the voter registration process.

Judicial rulings this past Thursday and Friday were good news for Michigan voters.
Michigan Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Stephens issued a preliminary injunction to allow ballots to be counted if they are postmarked on Nov. 2 or before and received within two weeks after the election due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and USPS delays, which she said are no longer rare. Please note -This decision is subject to appeal. You are still encouraged to drop your ballots in drop boxes, or drop your ballot off at your local clerk's office as soon as possible. If voters want to return their ballot by mail, they should be mailed at least two weeks in advance to ensure ballots arrive on time.

Judge Stephens also temporarily barred a law that limits who can help a voter deliver their absentee ballot. The current law dictates that the only people who can return an absentee ballot to a clerk's office are the voter, a mail carrier acting in their professional capacity, a clerk, a housemate or an immediate family member. So this ruling allows anyone the voter chooses to return their ballot. The judge said that reports of late ballot deliveries and the restrictions of potential quarantines may make it difficult for people to rely on family members or housemates to deliver their ballots, and that is why she is ordering the temporary change

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Dawkins Davis blocked a Michigan law that bans groups and individuals from paying to transport a voter to the polls unless they are physically incapable of walking. The transportation ban has existed in some form since 1895 in Michigan and Judge Davis decided that the Michigan law conflicts with federal law that gives groups and individuals the right to fund transportation to the polls.

Calling All Michigan Students and Educators!!
On Wednesday, September 23, at 7 pm, join the SOS and When We All Vote plus fellow students, teachers, administrators and staff for a Voting Learning and Activation Session . Participants will discuss ways to empower students and educators with the knowledge and resources necessary to register, vote, and ways to celebrate your connection to civic community; help students and staff make a plan to vote this year, including how to check registration status; connect with fellow educators to share resources meeting revised state standards; and learn how to become a poll worker and encourage others to do so as well. RSVP here.
New SOS Website - Election Security in Michigan
To help combat "Misinformation and False Information" during the election season, the SOS has made available resources for voters - "Report Misinformation (misinformation@michigan.gov), Fact Checks, and Examples of Misinformation". There is a link to "Election Security" at the Michigan Voter Information Center.
The SOS recently launched its Partners in Democracy web page promoting
voter engagement and turnout
The web page provides information including a voter engagement digital tool kit, a calendar of key elections-related dates ahead of November, and additional resources for organizations on how to communicate relevant election information to Michigan voters. Visit Michigan.gov/SOSPartnersinDemocracy.
The SOS Ready for November video interview series #2 is called "Protecting Voters from Misinformation". Secretary Benson and AG Dana Nessel . In the video, Benson speaks on the importance of voters only using trusted sources, including the SOS website and their local clerk to gather information for Nov. 3. Nessel described the steps her office is taking to investigate and prosecute attempts to misinform or intimidate voters, including the implementation of a rapid response legal and communications team. Here is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wQdCzrF81E&feature=youtu.be

The #MichiganStudentsVote Campaign was designed to host student voter engagement resources that administrators, students, and partners can use to help get out the vote leading up to Election Day. The website is located at michigan.gov/SOSpartnersindemocracy. Click Student Voter website.
Quotes from the late Honorable Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
"Throwing out the Voting Rights Act when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing a way your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet".
Another neat quote is:
"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time."
The Struggle for Voting Rights is an interactive multimedia exhibition opening at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on September 27, 2020. The exhibit illustrates the work of African Americans from pre-Reconstruction through the present day, in the development of the basic principles and values surrounding our current understanding of what it means to have the "right to vote" in democratic societies around the world. Read more here.
CENSUS
The total national response rate, as of September 16, is 66 %. Michigan remains 5th amongst the states in self-reporting at 70.7%. Local city rates are Dearborn (73.5%), Dearborn Heights (76.2%), and Inkster (61.7%).

People can still respond online, over the phone or by mail (if you have original paper census form). Go online to www.my2020cenus.gov and input your mail address.. If you do not have a computer, contact the U.S. Census Bureau for support. Customer Service Representatives are available every day from 7 am to 2 am Eastern Time on the following phone lines:
·    English: (844) 330-2020
·    Spanish: (844) 468-2020
TDD number: (844) 467-2020
INDEPENDENT CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION
The new Michigan Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission has begun to meet. To view videos of the first two days of meetings, go to redistrictingmichigan.org.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Informed Voting is a Facebook event on September 22 at 7:00 pm, presented by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority of Inkster. Judy Neal, the founder of "Empowered Voices"will be the main speaker. Go here for more information.
CALENDAR
September 22 - National Voter Registration Day
September 24 - Absentee ballots begin to be mailed and available at clerks' offices
September 29 - First Presidential Debate
October 5/9 - National Voter Education Week
October 9 - 25 days to Election Day
October 15 - Second Presidential Debate
October 19 - Deadline to register to vote online and by mail
October 22 - Third Presidential Debate
October 24 - Vote Early Day
November 3 - Election Day, voters may still register to vote at clerk's office
CIVIC PARTICIPATION
The City of Dearborn developed a city-wide Multi-Modal Transportation Plan to help define current and future community needs and desires for people who walk, bike, ride, and drive. The Plan will be used by the city to respond to the growing demand for alternative forms of travel and to promote safe and comfortable transportation options throughout the City as well as a system connected into the region. On Wednesday, September 23, the City Council will be holding a study session on the topic. To observe the meeting and follow the Council's conversation, here is the Zoom information:
Meeting ID - 835 0762 3895
Passcode - 830188
1 646 558 8656
or
1 312 626 6799
ADVOCACY
Members and LWV supporters are urged to tell the MI Senators and Representatives that they have the opportunity to improve the election process in Michigan by passing these bills: 1)Senate Bill 756 - allows poll workers on Absentee Ballot Counting Board to work in shifts; 2) Senate Bill 757 - allows election officials to begin processing Absentee Ballots before Election Day (passed Senate, expected to pass in House); 3) House Bill 5987 - requires ballots be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day and received within the following 48 hours; and 4) House Bill 5991 - requires clerks to contact voters if their signature on their absentee ballot doesn't match the signature on file so voters can fix the problem. (from LWVMI)
POPULAR MEDIA/ PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORTS/ LECTURES
Monday, September 21. Citizen Activism: Driver of A Healthy Democracy
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Michigan is hosting a 6-lecture series, Election 2020. This second lecture features a panel discussion highlighting citizen participation as a crucial process through which individuals and groups work to influence public decisions as part of the democratic process. Citizen activism driven by real community needs and desires can be a powerful transformative force. Panelists will help understand how the organizations that they represent aid individuals in understanding ideas about citizenship, politics, government, and the issues important to their communities and specific organizations. Read more on the entire series here, or more about this event here. Register online, call (734) 998-9351, or send e-mail to olli.info@umich.edu. 10–11:30 am 
Watch the new ACLU podcast mini-series “At the Polls.”
Each Tuesday, between now and the election, Molly McGrath with the ACLU is launching a voting podcast mini-series “At the Polls.” These short and easily digestible podcasts cover issues about voting, voting rights, and other questions of the day. Call or email your questions for the podcast series at (212) 549-2558, podcast@aclu.org. Listen to the first episode and read more.
"Your big questions about voting and the 2020 election, answered" / Zachary B. Wolf, CNN, 9/18/20 Read here
Going Public - Your Safety and Health in Michigan during COVID-19
Citizens Research Council of Michigan presents this virtual public policy event on Thursday, October 22, 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Barbara McQuade will share her perspectives on how police reforms that were part of a consent agreement between the City of Detroit and the U.S. Dept. of Justice addressed issues still confronting other cities. Public health experts will discuss issues and share solutions related to Michigan's ability to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and lessons learned that should shape future public policy. There is a $20.00 charge. Register here.
WEBSITES/ORGANIZATIONS TO KNOW ABOUT
FROM THE LIBRARY SHELVES
His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope / Jon Meacham.
AMAZON SHOPPERS CAN HELP SUPPORT ED FUND
If you are an Amazon shopper, you can make a donation to our Education Fund . Go to AmazonSmile and look for the Education Fund League of Women Voters Dearborn-Dearborn Hts Education Fund. Thank you!
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
The League of Women Voters Dearborn-Dearborn Heights is a member organization with affiliation with LWVUS and LWVMI. Membership dues run from July 1- June 30. Dues are $60.00 for individuals, $90.00 for households, and $10.00 for students. To join online, please go to www.lwvddh.org and click "About" and "Join".  An application form can also be found and can be mailed to LWV, 120 N. Military, Dearborn MI 48124. Thank you.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Jo Durivage, President
Karen Jones, Vice President
Carolyn Buell, Treasurer
Toni Tront, Secretary


Geri Biggs, Director
Laura Dudgeon, Director
Peggy Kearney, Director
Marlyne Kilbey, Director
Jennifer Oliver, Director, Voter Service
Jennifer Teller, Director
League of Women Voters Dearborn/Dearborn Heights
120 N. Military · Dearborn, MI 48124
313-278-6476
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