MICHIGAN HAS A MAY 6TH ELECTION
Does your community have a May 6th election? Check here. Since this is not a statewide or federal election, check in with your city or township clerk to see if they are offering early voting. If in-person early voting is not available, consider an absentee ballot. You can apply for one through your clerk’s office if you’re not already on the Permanent Absentee Voter List. All pre-election dates can be found here. Remember – polls are open on May 6th from 7:00 am to 8:00pm.
LWV AND OTHER VOTING RIGHTS GROUPS CHALLENGE TRUMP’S ANTI-VOTER EXECUTIVE ORDER
On April 1, 2025, A coalition of voting rights organizations, including the League of Women Voters, filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Columbia to challenge President Trump’s unlawful executive order on voting. The order attempts to seize the power to set voter registration rules from Congress and the states, and doing so in a way that would violate federal law and the Constitution if carried out by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). Key provisions of Trump’s order could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly voters of color, women voters, naturalized citizens, voters with disabilities, voters with low incomes, and first-time voters. Read more information here.
TAKE ACTION AGAINST RESOLUTION REQUIRING CITIZENSHIP DOCUMENTATION TO VOTE
House Joint Resolution B is a proposed constitional amendment that would require documentary proof of citizenship for Michigan Voters. Under threat of legal penalties for perjury, voters already swear to their citizenship when they register to vote. HJRB would require a birth certificate.but if a voter changed their name during a life event (adoption, marriage, divorce, etc), the voter may be required to produce more paperwork to vote. This documentation retrievel would be a roadblock to voting for many Michiganders, and would also create a nightmare for local clerks. LWVMI is urging our state egislators to oppose this law. See our testimony here and send a note to your legislator here.
GOV. WHITMER PROCLAIMS MARCH 2025 AS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
On March 1, 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March 2025 as Women’s History month to celebrate women’s accomplishments throughout Michigan history. “This month, we take inspiration from generations of strong Michigan women who broke down barriers, pushed open doors, and shattered glass ceilings,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since our state’s founding, women have paved the way forward for future generations to earn a higher-quality education, better-paying jobs, be treated fairly treatment at work, and have safer communities to live in. Together, we will keep fighting for equal rights and equal opportunity for women and make Michigan a place where anyone can thrive.” Read the proclamation here.
LWVMI SIGNS ON TO LETTER TO US CONGRESS
The League of Women Voters of the United States and League chapters from all 50 states and the District of Columbia sent a letter to congressional leaders expressing strong concern over abandoning its duties and authorities under Article I of the US Constitution, urging leaders to address the unprecedented executive branch overreach threatening American democracy. In the detailed letter to Congress, the League highlighted several recent executive branch actions that are causing significant harm to millions of Americans, including the undermining of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, attempts to end birthright citizenship, pause distribution of congressionally allocated federal funds, and dismantle federal agencies without proper congressional oversight.
AN UNPRECEDENTED, BREATHTAKING ASSAULT ON AMERICAN DEMOCRACY: LWV RESPONDS TO TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S FIRST 60 DAYS
On March 20, 2024, the League of Women Voters of the United States CEO Celina Stewart issued the following statement in reflection on the first 60 days of the Trump administration. “If the past 60 days have made one thing clear, it’s this: our democracy is facing a five-alarm fire,” said Ms. Stewart. Read the entire press release here.
LWVMI SUPPORTS NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE
The National Popular Vote(NPV) guarantees that the electoral college and the presidency will be won by the candidate who wins the most popular votes in all 50 states and DC. When enacted, NPV will apply the concept of “one person, one vote” to our presidential elections, making every voter politically relevant in every presidential election for the first time. LWVMI supports House Bill 4156 and Senate Bill 126, which would add Michigan’s 15 electoral votes to a growing number of states supporting National Popular Vote. Watch this 2.5 minute video explaining NPV.
