PRESS RELEASES & STATEMENTS
Voters Not Politicians Update on the Agee v Benson Ruling
A message from Jamie Lyons-Eddy, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians: Hi Team, Last month, a panel of federal judges ruled that the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission violated the Equal Protection Clause of the US Constitution by spreading out Black Detroiters among numerous districts based on their race. Six state senate districts and seven…
MI’s Leading Voting Rights Org Releases Deepfake Ad in Support of New AI Legislation
LANSING – Voters Not Politicians, the state’s leading grassroots pro-democracy organization, today released a political ad emphasizing the need to regulate AI technology in politics by creating their own deepfake video depicting three former Michigan governors appearing to endorse policies antithetical to their political views, including cheering on Ohio State’s football. This video comes as…
Leading Michigan Pro-Democracy Organization Pushes for Artificial Intelligence Regulation for Elections
LANSING – Today in the state House of Representatives, bipartisan legislation was introduced by Rep. Tsernoglou (D – East Lansing) and Rep. Bierlein (R – Vassar) that would require a disclaimer on political advertisements that contain audio, images, or videos that were generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI), and create penalties for trying to use deepfakes,…
Voters Not Politicians Statement on the Death of Ted Lawson, former VNP field coordinator
Voters Not Politicians is heartbroken to share the tragic loss of Ted Lawson, a well-known member of the VNP community in and around Lansing. On Sunday afternoon, Ted lost his life to gun violence. Ted was a volunteer field director in Ingham County during our 2018 campaign to end gerrymandering. He worked tirelessly to empower…
PRESS RELEASE: Voters Not Politicians Reacts to SCOTUS Rejecting Anti-Democratic Independent State Legislature Theory
DETROIT – Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision in Moore v. Harper rejecting the anti-democratic independent state legislature theory and ensuring that extreme state legislatures cannot take partisan control of federal elections and take away the people’s power. Following the decision, Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, which…
PRESS RELEASE: Election Officials and Pro-Democracy Advocates Announce Support for Sec. Benson’s Election and Prop. 2 Budget Recommendations
MICHIGAN – Today, Eaton County Clerk Diana Bosworth and Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, along with voting rights advocacy groups All Voting Is Local, League of Women Voters of Michigan, Voters Not Politicians, Campus Vote Project and Protect Democracy, will announce support for Sec. Benson’s $177 million dollar election and Proposal 02. implementation budget recommendations….
PRESS RELEASE: Voters Not Politicians Urges Lawmakers to Pass Legislation Banning Firearms at Polling Places
DETROIT, MI – Today, the Michigan House of Representatives introduced critical gun safety legislation to protect voters at polling places and absentee ballot boards, including HB 4127 and HB 4128. In response to the legislation, Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, released the following statement calling on lawmakers to pass this “common sense”…
STATEMENT on Passage of Proposal 22-2 by 60% of Michigan Voters
“Today, Michigan voters passed Proposal 2 to protect and modernize our elections,” said Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians. “We’ve shown, time & again, that voters, no matter who we support, share a belief that every eligible voter should have convenient access to the ballot and have their vote counted. Voters Not Politicians…
STATEMENT from Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, reacting to Secure MI Vote’s signature submission:
“Just two weeks ago we turned in the second-highest number of signatures in Michigan history supporting what voters really need: a constitutional amendment that makes elections more modern and secure that voters can decide on in November. Everything about the Secure MI Vote campaign is the opposite: from day 1 the campaign has made clear…
Voters Not Politicians Letter to Broadcast Stations RE: Rinke Ad “Why is it that dead people always vote Democrat?”
Dear TV Broadcasting Station, On behalf of the nonpartisan, nonprofit voting rights group Voters Not Politicians, I’m writing to request that you and your affiliates discontinue broadcasting, and refrain from current or future placement, of the ad paid for by Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Kevin Rinke entitled, “Why is it that dead people always vote Democrat?”…
Voters Not Politicians Statement on Secure MI Vote Signature Announcement
Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, released the following statement in response to Secure MI Vote’s petition signature announcement this afternoon: “Today is a good day for Michigan voters. Secure MI Vote, which has misled voters on the streets for months about what their anti-voting rights initiative would do, will not be on…
Victory! Court Upholds Maps Developed by Michigan Independent Redistricting Commission
Grand Rapids, MI – Campaign Legal Center (CLC) and Voters Not Politicians (VNP) issued the following statements after a U.S. District Court ruling which upheld the congressional maps developed by Michigan’s independent redistricting commission: “Elections should be determined by voters, not politicians. I am grateful the court sided with Michigan’s voters, who overwhelmingly supported the creation of an…
Democracy requires easy, secure access to voting
Partisan vote impedes voters trying to cast ballots “We are dismayed that legislators on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules have stalled rules proposed by the Secretary of State that clarify election law and codify existing practices and support Michigan election clerks and voters. The legislature should have one focus and that is enacting policies…
Campaign Legal Center and Voters Not Politicians Seek to Defend the Work of Michigan Independent Redistricting Commission
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Today, Campaign Legal Center (CLC), on behalf of Voters Not Politicians (VNP), took steps to intervene as defendants in a lawsuit that challenges and seeks to overturn the Michigan congressional maps recently adopted by Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to ensure that the court faithfully interprets the redistricting standards enacted by the voters of…
Pro-Voter Ballot Initiative Launches in Michigan
New ballot initiative will modernize elections and create a voting system that works for everyone MICHIGAN – Today, Promote the Vote 2022 launched a ballot initiative to improve both security and access to the polls in Michigan. Partners in the campaign gathered for a virtual press conference as part of the campaign launch. “This initiative…
Voters Not Politicians releases video footage showing ‘Secure MI Vote’ petition circulators lying to Michigan voters to get signatures
Voters Not Politicians today released video footage showing ‘Secure MI Vote’ signature collectors spreading misinformation to Michigan voters to obtain signatures on 5 different petitions, including the petition that would suppress voting in Michigan. The video, recorded by a volunteer in Kalamazoo, shows a paid circulator telling voters that their signature is needed simply to…
Voters Not Politicians Statement on MICRC Vote on Final Maps
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, following today’s vote by the MICRC on new election maps for Michigan: “Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, a group of citizens from across the state and the political spectrum, made history today by adopting the first maps in our state’s…
Voters Not Politicians Statement on Michigan Supreme Court Decision
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, following today’s Michigan Supreme Court decision on the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission: “Voters Not Politicians applauds the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision requiring the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to release the Voting Rights Act memos and other materials that…
Voters Not Politicians Statement on Michigan Supreme Court Oral Arguments
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, following today’s oral arguments heard by the Michigan Supreme Court: “Voters Not Politicians supports the efforts by Michigan media to pursue the release of the Voting Rights Act memos and we appreciate the Michigan Supreme Court’s swift attention to this…
VNP Statement on MI House Dems Right to Vote Package
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, on the House Democrats’ Right to Vote Bill Package: “We applaud the House Democrats for introducing these pro-voter bills that would help ensure that Michigan’s elections are safe, accessible, and secure. In 2018, Michigan voters made it clear that they…
VNP Statement on SB 303, 304, HB 5007 Veto
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, on the veto of SB 303 & 304, HB 5007: “We are thrilled that Governor Whitmer today vetoed Senate Bill 303, Senate Bill 304, and House Bill 5007. Today’s veto further demonstrates Governor Whitmer’s commitment to protecting voting access for…
VNP Statement on MICRC Meeting (10/27)
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, on today’s MICRC meeting: “Threats of violence against our public servants are outrageous and undermine democracy. Voters Not Politicians condemns Wednesday’s threat against the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, and calls for a complete investigation to find whoever was responsible….
VNP Statement on anticipated veto of SB 303, 304, HB 5007
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, on the anticipated veto of SB 303 & 304, HB 5007: “Governor Whitmer has demonstrated her commitment to protecting voting access for every eligible Michigander. We now urge the governor to veto Senate Bill 303, Senate Bill 304, and House…
Voters Not Politicians calls on MICRC to reevaluate their approach to comply with the VRA and other ranked criteria
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy & Social Research yesterday released an independent report, Michigan Redistricting Draft Map Analysis, citing concerns over the lack of data to support the Michigan Citizens Redistricting Commission’s attempts to adhere to the Voting Rights Act and other constitutionally ranked criteria. “We support the voices of community…
VNP Statement on Passage of Anti-Voter Senate Bill 303
LANSING, Mich. – The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians, on House passage of anti-voter Senate Bill 303: The legislature today pushed through SB 303 which would roll back the voting rights Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved in 2018. We are heartened that our pro-voter governor is expected…
Oakland County Commission, Community Organizations Oppose Efforts to Restrict Voters’ Rights
LANSING, Mich. – Joining the growing list of municipalities opposing efforts to restrict voters’ rights, the Oakland County Commission last night passed a resolution in opposition to the package of 39 bills in the Michigan legislature and the “Secure MI Vote” petition. Standing with the Oakland County elected officials, All Voting is Local, the League of Women…
Anti-voter petition gets administrative approval from Board of State Canvassers
LANSING, Mich. – Today’s vote by the Board of State Canvassers to give the “Secure MI Vote” petition “as to form” approval will allow the radical anti-voter movement to start collecting signatures in their attempt to cut off access to the ballot for eligible voters. Voters Not Politicians is mobilizing volunteers to provide Michiganders the…
VNP offers alternative to false, misleading ‘Secure MI Vote’ petition summary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 9, 2021 CONTACT: Hannah Lupi, 517-643-5153 LANSING, Mich. – Voters Not Politicians Ballot Committee (VNP) today submitted objections to the Michigan Department of State about the disingenuous, false and misleading Petition Summary submitted by the “Secure MI Vote” group. To ensure that voters have accurate information about what the anti-voter…
VNP will fight extreme GOP petition that seeks to make it harder to vote in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. – Voters Not Politicians is mobilizing volunteers to provide Michiganders the facts about the anti-voter petition filed by political operatives calling themselves “Secure MI Vote.” “All of us support safe, secure, and fair elections,” said Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians. “Democracy works best when voters have choices and options to…
VNP volunteers will provide facts to dissuade signers of GOP anti-voter proposal
LANSING, Mich. – Voters Not Politicians today announced it is mobilizing its volunteer army to dissuade voters from supporting the Michigan Republican Party’s effort to reduce voting in our state. “A democracy only works when the voice of the people can be heard. No matter what they claim, the purpose of the GOP’s petition drive…
Voters Not Politicians statement on House Bill 5282
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on House Bill 5282: “We commend Representative Kara Hope for introducing House Bill 5282, which would prohibit intimidating an election inspector or preventing an election inspector from performing their duties. This is exactly the type of legislation that the Michigan…
Voters Not Politicians statement on the MICRC’s decision to proceed with BakerHostetler
The following statement can be attributed to Jamie Lyons-Eddy, Deputy Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the MICRC’s decision to proceed with BakerHostetler: “Voters Not Politicians, which drafted the constitutional amendment that created the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission and that guides its overall operation, is deeply disappointed that the commission is moving forward in…
Voters Not Politicians statement on the Michigan Supreme Court’s denial of the MICRC deadline extension request
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the Michigan Supreme Court’s denial of the MICRC deadline extension request: “As the grassroots group behind the constitutional amendment that put citizens in charge of redistricting in Michigan, Voters Not Politicians has a uniquely strong interest in ensuring that…
Voters Not Politicians criticizes lawmakers for rushing through bills that will open the door to election chaos
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan lawmakers today rushed through committee bills – without providing opportunity for citizens to review the bills and offer testimony – that would lead to chaos at voting places all over Michigan. Senate Bills 303 and 304 seek to change long-standing Michigan election law that allows voters to sign legally binding affidavits of…
Partisan election bills reduce choice and options voters need, don’t improve security
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan voters want accessible, secure, safe, and fair elections. The anti-voter bills approved today by the state Senate in a partisan vote – Senate Bills 285, 303, and 304 – will make it harder for Michiganders to access the ballot, but do nothing to make voting more secure. “The 2020 election was run…
Oakland Forward Testified at MICRC Pontiac Public Hearing
Hearing for Pontiac community to have a say in map-drawing process LANSING, Mich. – Oakland Forward testified yesterday in front of Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) at the Pontiac stop of its public hearing tour. The hearing was a direct response to calls from Michigan voters for the MICRC to host a hearing…
Voters Not Politicians files amicus brief in support of Secretary of State’s request to Michigan Supreme Court
LANSING, Mich. – Voters Not Politicians filed an amicus brief yesterday supporting the Secretary of State’s and the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission’s request for additional time to approve the state’s next set of congressional and legislative maps. The extension is necessary because the U.S. Census Bureau has not provided data necessary to properly draw…
Voters Not Politicians statement on passage of House Bills 4680-4692
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the ethics and transparency bills passed by the House: “Over the past two years, Voters Not Politicians has worked collaboratively with leadership on both sides of the aisle to develop a comprehensive, bipartisan package of ethics and transparency bills…
Voters Not Politicians celebrates decision to uphold Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission
Group continues work on community mapping, engaging Communities of Interest LANSING, Mich.–The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit today upheld for the second time the constitutional amendment adopted by voters in 2018, that established Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. The amendment put voters – not politicians – in charge of drawing Michigan’s state Legislative…
LLEAD Testified at MICRC Public Hearing
Strategic partnerships, education opportunities empower communities to have a say in map-drawing process LANSING, Mich. – LLEAD testified yesterday in front of Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) at the Lansing stop of its public hearing tour. This community organizations is participating in Voters Not Politicians’ 2021 Communities of Interest Engagement Program, which ensures…
Troy City Council Passes Resolution Opposing Legislation Restricting Voting Rights, Obstructing Elections
LANSING, Mich. – Supported by volunteers from Voters Not Politicians, the Troy City Council has passed a resolution in opposition to a package of 39 bills introduced by Michigan legislators which plan to limit voters’ rights and reduce election efficiency and equitability. “Politicians are trying to manipulate democracy by attempting to implement legislation that will…
Washtenaw County Elected Officials, Voters Not Politicians Oppose Senate Bills to Restrict Voters’ Rights, Harm Elections
LANSING, Mich. – Joining with volunteers from Voters Not Politicians, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has passed a resolution in opposition to a package of 39 bills introduced by Michigan legislators which seek to restrict voters’ rights and make elections less equitable and efficient. “Michigan voters have spoken, and audit after audit has made…
Voters Not Politicians statement on first MICRC public hearing
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission’s first public hearing today: “We are thrilled that Michigan’s first-ever Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) will hold its first public hearing in Jackson today. This is the start of a public hearing tour…
Senate anti-voter package opposed by Voters Not Politicians, local voters
LANSING, Mich. – Volunteers from Voters Not Politicians testified today against a package of bills that would make it much harder for residents to exercise their right to vote. “Once again, politicians are trying to choose their voters instead of having voters choose their politicians, by passing a package of bills that would make it much harder…
Voters Not Politicians statement on House Elections and Ethics hearing
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the ethics and transparency bills discussed by the House Elections and Ethics Committee today: “Over the past two years, Voters Not Politicians has worked collaboratively with leadership on both sides of the aisle to develop a comprehensive package of…
Legislative leaders to prioritize government ethics reform in 2021
Leaders from both parties in the House today announced agreement on a sweeping package of reforms to state ethics and transparency laws. The legislative leaders have committed to making the reforms a top priority over the coming weeks. “When you get outside of the small Lansing and Capitol community and tell people back home how…
Voters Not Politicians, local voters speak out against proposed election bills
Voters from across the state share how proposed reforms would make voting more difficult Click here to download a recording of the event; Passcode U0!h*6Cy LANSING, Mich.–Voters Not Politicians, the nonpartisan, grassroots group that ended gerrymandering in Michigan, today hosted an online press event to highlight how the voter suppression bills introduced Wednesday in the…
Voters Not Politicians statement on election reform package introduced in MI Senate
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, the nonpartisan, grassroots group that ended gerrymandering in Michigan, on election reform legislation introduced today in the Michigan Senate: “The 2020 election was safe and secure, and more Michiganders voted than ever before in the history of our state. But…
Voter suppression efforts in Michigan? Not on our watch.
LANSING, Mich.–The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, the nonpartisan, grassroots group that ended gerrymandering in Michigan, on anticipated nationally-funded voter suppression legislation: An overwhelming majority of Michiganders voted in 2018 to protect and expand access to the ballot by passing no-reason absentee voting, same-day voter registration, and…
VNP Statement on Secretary Benson’s “From Worst to First” Transparency & Ethics Proposals
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s “From Worst to First” legislative priorities: We applaud Secretary Benson for identifying important and responsible reforms to rebuild trust in our state government. Voters overwhelmingly support efforts to make our government more ethical, accountable, and…
Voters Not Politicians Statement on the Passage of HJR A
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the passage of House Joint Resolution A to curb use of “lame duck” sessions of the Legislature: Abuse of lame duck legislative sessions is rampant. This allows legislators who have been termed out or voted out of office to…
Voters Not Politicians announces Communities of Interest program
Strategic partnerships, education opportunities will empower communities to have a say in map-drawing process LANSING, Mich.–Voters Not Politicians today announced the launch of its 2021 Communities of Interest Engagement Program to ensure that historically underserved communities have the information and tools they need to strategically and effectively participate in Michigan’s new fair, impartial, and transparent redistricting process….
Voters Not Politicians Statement on Secretary Benson’s Legislative Agenda
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the legislative agenda introduced by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson: Secretary Benson’s legislative agenda would help ensure that Michigan’s elections are safe, accessible, and secure. In 2020, Michigan saw record turnout in the November election, due to no-reason absentee…
Voters Not Politicians Statement on Whitmer State of the State Address
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State address: We appreciate Gov. Whitmer’s call for bipartisan action to tackle the crises facing our state. Following the recent unprecedented attacks on our democracy, we urge lawmakers to prioritize legislation to restore the…
Voters Not Politicians statement on proposed government reforms
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the ethics reforms proposed by Michigan House Speaker Jason Wentworth (R-Clare): Now more than ever, we must clean up Michigan’s government and restore the public’s trust in our elected officials. Lame duck and conflicts of interest reforms are a good…
Voters Not Politicians statement on response filed in Daunt v. Benson to dismantle voter-approved redistricting commission
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on their response filed on Monday, December 14 to Tony Daunt’s appeal of the dismissal of the Daunt, et al v. Benson lawsuit: “We won’t let these frivolous lawsuits get in the way of carrying out the people’s will. Though political insiders like Tony Daunt…
Voters Not Politicians statement on Giuliani visit, ongoing election hearings
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on Rudy Giuliani’s planned testimony and ongoing legislative hearings on the election: “These political charades need to end. The election is over and the results have been certified. There is absolutely no evidence of irregularities in the election in Michigan, or…
Voters Not Politicians: Democracy upheld in 3-0-1 vote to certify Michigan elections
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, the nonpartisan, grassroots organization that ended partisan gerrymandering in Michigan, on the vote by the Board of State Canvassers today to certify Michigan’s election results with three yes votes and and one abstention: Our democracy was put to the test this…
Voters Not Politicians statement on Board of State Canvassers meeting
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the Board of State Canvassers meeting today, November 23: “The Board of State Canvassers has an ethical and legal duty to give effect to the will of the 5.5 million Michigan voters who cast their vote in this election. By a margin…
Voters Not Politicians statement on reports that Shirkey and Chatfield are expected to visit the White House on November 20
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on news reports that Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield are expected to visit the White House on November 20: “Senator Shirkey and Representative Chatfield are in dangerous territory. Either they are attempting to overturn the will of Michigan…
Voters Not Politicians statement on appeal in Daunt v. Benson to dismantle voter-approved redistricting commission
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the appeal filed on Thursday, November 12 by Tony Daunt of the Michigan Freedom Fund of the District Court’s final order of dismissal of the Daunt, et al v. Benson lawsuit: “Two years ago, Michiganders voted by an overwhelming margin to end gerrymandering…
Voters Not Politicians statement on election status, success of expanded voting rights
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the status of the election and success of expanded voting rights across the state: We’re encouraged to see the historic levels of absentee voting, and successful in-person voting across the state that prioritized the health and safety of election…
Voters Not Politicians media roundtable encourages voting weekend before Election Day
LANSING – Voters Not Politicians hosted a media roundtable with local clerks and volunteers today to encourage voters to take advantage of the many options available to them to vote safely this weekend. Executive Director Nancy Wang was joined by Pontiac City Clerk Garland Doyle and Kalamazoo volunteer Jessica Swartz. “This weekend, we encourage voters…
Voters Not Politicians, All Voting Is Local launch drop box locator
Easy to use, online tool helps voters safely, securely cast absentee ballots LANSING–Voters Not Politicians and All Voting Is Local today launched www.MichiganDropbox.com, a free, easy-to-use online tool for Michigan voters to locate a secure drop box location or their local clerk’s office to cast their absentee ballots in the general election. “Our citizen-led organization…
Voters Not Politicians statement on investigation into Unlock Michigan signature collection tactics
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the legal questions surrounding petition collection tactics employed by Unlock Michigan: As the grassroots organization of thousands of everyday Michiganders that successfully put “voters — not politicians” in charge of redistricting in our state by ballot initiative, we’re offended by…
Voters Not Politicians statement of resignation and random selection of replacement to Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission
The following quote can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the resignation and consequential random selection of a replacement to serve on Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission: The constitutional amendment that established the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission written with input from thousands of Michigan voters anticipated that there…
Voting access expanded in Kalamazoo
Changes come as Nights & Weekends grassroots program expands to encourage extended clerk hours, satellite locations MICHIGAN–Voters Not Politicians joins with NAACP of Kalamazoo, WeVote, Kalamazoo YWCA, League of Women Voters of Kalamazoo Area, and the ACLU to celebrate another victory to expand voting access through extended clerk hours in Kalamazoo, Michigan. “We applaud the…
Voters Not Politicians optimistic about Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission
LANSING–Voters Not Politicians, the grassroots, nonpartisan group that led the successful 2018 campaign to end partisan gerrymandering in Michigan, today celebrated the first meetings of the 13 voters who will serve on the state’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. “This is a historic day for Michigan,” said Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians….
Voters Not Politicians statement on passage of Senate Bill 757 through the upper chamber
Grassroots, nonpartisan group continues push for safe, accessible, and secure elections The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the passage of Senate Bill 757 through the upper chamber by a vote of 34-2: SB 757 overcame a big hurdle with today’s passage through the Senate. Voters now…
Voters Not Politicians Statement on Voting Access Legislation
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the House Elections and Ethics Committee meeting Wednesday, September 2, that did not include testimony on House Bills 5987 and 5991 or Senate Bill 756: Michigan voters and our election workers deserve clarity and decisive action on legislation to ensure…
Voters Not Politicians: No excuse for lack of legislative action to make elections safe, secure, accessible
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the House Elections and Ethics Committee meeting Wednesday, September 2, that will not include testimony on House Bills 5987 and 5991 or Senate Bill 756: With only two months to go until Election Day, there is no excuse for the…
Voters Not Politicians statement on disassembling of mail sorting machine in Grand Rapids
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the disassembling of a mail sorting machine at the Grand Rapids processing facility: Every Michigan voter who chooses to exercise their constitutional right to vote absentee by mailing their ballot through the U.S. Postal Service should have their vote counted….
VNP Statement on Michigan joining lawsuit to protect USPS, secure voting
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians: Voters Not Politicians stands with Attorney General Dana Nessel as she joins the lawsuit to ensure that all absentee voters in Michigan who mail their ballots through the U.S. Postal Service will have their votes counted. We are working alongside other…
Voters Not Politicians celebrates selection of Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commissioners
For Immediate ReleaseAugust 17, 2020 Contact: Elizabeth Battiste; 248-404-7846ebattiste@martinwaymire.com LANSING–Voters Not Politicians, the grassroots, nonpartisan group that led the successful 2018 campaign to end partisan gerrymandering in Michigan, today celebrated the random selection of 13 voters who will serve on the state’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. “Voters Not Politicians and our thousands of volunteers…
Voters Not Politicians statement on appeal in Daunt v. Benson to dismantle voter-approved redistricting commission
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the appeal filed on Monday, August 3 by Tony Daunt of the Michigan Freedom Fund of the District Court’s final order of dismissal of the Daunt, et al v. Benson lawsuit: “In less than a month, the 13 members of Michigan’s first…
Voters Not Politicians statement on strikes to redistricting commission semi-finalists
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the redistricting reform amendment process allowing state legislative leaders to each strike up to five semi-finalists from the pool of applicants for Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission: We’re proud to see the process to implement Michigan’s first Independent…
Voting access expanded in Pontiac
Changes come as Nights & Weekends grassroots program expands to encourage extended clerk hours, satellite locations MICHIGAN–Voters Not Politicians joins with Oakland Forward, ACLU People Power & GOTV-Michigan, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, NAACP Michigan Chapter, and Promote the Vote to celebrate another victory to expand voting access through extended clerk hours in Pontiac,…
Voters Not Politicians celebrates expanded voting access in Oakland County
Changes come as Nights & Weekends grassroots program expands to encourage extended clerk hours, satellite locations MICHIGAN–Voters Not Politicians is celebrating expanded voting access through extended clerk hours in three Michigan cities, Berkley, Ferndale, and Farmington Hills. The organization’s Nights & Weekends program was launched in mid-2019 to increase access to voting in Michigan — especially in…
Voters Not Politicians announces results of lawmaker and candidate questionnaires
LANSING – Voters Not Politicians today announced the results of their VoteSafe questionnaire, identifying 42 lawmakers and state House candidates who back efforts to expand voting access and protect voters’ health in the 2020 elections. “Michiganders deserve pro-voter leaders in Lansing who will put voting access and public health above partisan politics. We are excited…
Voters Not Politicians celebrates dismissal of lawsuits attacking Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission
Group shifts focus to community mapping, engaging Communities of Interest GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.–U.S. District Judge Janet Neff today dismissed the lawsuits attacking the voter-approved constitutional amendment that established the Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. The amendment puts voters – not politicians – in charge of drawing state Legislative and U.S. Congressional election maps through a…
VNP statement on random selection of 200 semi-finalists for Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians: Today’s random selection of 200 semi-finalists for Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission marks another major step in Voters Not Politicians’ drive to end partisan gerrymandering in Michigan. The random selection process was a cornerstone of our efforts to prevent politicians…
Voters Not Politicians statement on final application data for Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the final demographic, geographic, and party affiliation data on applicants to Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission released today by the Michigan Department of State: “The support we’ve seen from the public for Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is…
VNP Statement on denial of rehearing in Daunt v. Benson redistricting case
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeal’s rejection of petitions filed by the Michigan Republican Party and special interests seeking rehearing of the Circuit Court’s decision upholding Michigan’s voter-approved Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission: It’s time for these attacks by…
Voters Not Politicians: Case against MDOS authority to mail absentee ballot applications “makes no sense”
LANSING–Voters Not Politicians today filed an amicus brief in support of the Michigan Secretary of State in Robert Davis v. Jocelyn Benson urging the Court to uphold the authority of the Secretary to mail absentee ballot applications to every registered voter. “Every Michigan voter has the constitutional right to vote absentee for any reason,” said…
VNP: Elected leaders must act now to prevent voting issues in Michigan
Election Day in Georgia brings mass confusion, long lines LANSING–Voters Not Politicians, the grassroots, nonpartisan group that ended gerrymandering in Michigan, today issued a warning in advance of the August and November Michigan elections urging state and local lawmakers to expand authority and resources to clerks to administer elections amid a public health crisis. “We…
Voters Not Politicians celebrates successful redistricting commission application process
Group to shift focus to community mapping, engaging Communities of Interest LANSING, Mich.–Voters Not Politicians today celebrated the enthusiasm from Michiganders to serve on Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, as the application period draws to a close. VNP volunteers began a broad campaign immediately after the 2018 election to encourage voters to apply for…
Voters Not Politicians statement on opposition to Daunt v. Benson petition for rehearing
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the response filed today with the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals opposing plaintiffs’ request for rehearing in the Daunt, et al v. Benson lawsuit: “The people of Michigan amended our state Constitution to create an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission…
VNP Statement on Secretary Benson absentee ballot application announcement
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s move to send absentee ballot applications to every registered voter for the August and November 2020 elections: We call on the state Legislature to act to protect voters’ lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. We applaud…
VNP Statement on request for rehearing in Daunt v. Benson
The following statement can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the petitions filed today by the Michigan Republican Party and special interests for rehearing before the entire bench (“en banc”) of the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in their ongoing lawsuit to dismantle Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission:…
Voters Not Politicians statement on May 5 elections
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on today’s elections held in 33 counties across the state: Higher-than-usual absentee voting in today’s elections demonstrates that voters are ready to move to vote by mail. No voter should be forced to risk their life to vote. We urge the…
VNP Statement on House Dems “Michigan Strong” Plan
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the Michigan House Democrats’ “Michigan Strong” recommendations: No one should have to put their life at risk to exercise their fundamental right to vote. We’re pleased to see that the House Democratic Caucus supports mailing every voter a ballot – not…
VNP statement on increased COVID-19 cases following WI April election
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on data released showing 40 Wisconsin residents who participated in the April 7 election have tested positive for COVID-19 and that April 25 saw the largest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin: Wisconsin lawmakers put voters’ lives at risk by…
Voters Not Politicians responds to U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling rejecting efforts to delay implementation of redistricting commission
CINCINNATI – Today, a three judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit unanimously upheld a decision by U.S. District Court Judge Janet Neff to deny an attempt by the Michigan Republican Party and special interests to undermine Michigan’s voter-initiated Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission by delaying its implementation. The Campaign Legal…
Voters Not Politicians statement on updated application data for Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the updates to preliminary demographic, geographic, and party affiliation data of applicants to Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission released today by the Michigan Department of State: “During these difficult times it’s clearer than ever how important it is to…
Grassroots, nonpartisan Michigan group calls for vote-by-mail in response to COVID, WI elections
MICHIGAN – In the midst of a catastrophic election in Wisconsin, Voters Not Politicians, the grassroots, nonpartisan group that ended gerrymandering in Michigan, calls on Michigan state leaders to move to a vote-by-mail system for the 2020 elections. “We saw today in Wisconsin widespread confusion, disruption, and fear as voters were forced to endure chaos…
Sixth Circuit Panel Hears Arguments in Attack on Citizen-Led Redistricting
CINCINNATI–A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit heard oral arguments today in a case that puts at risk voter-approved reforms designed to end gerrymandering in Michigan, which could impact independent redistricting commissions across the country. In the consolidated cases of Daunt v. Benson and Michigan Republican Party v. Benson, the…
Voters Not Politicians statement on “unacceptable” long lines on primary Election Day
The following can be attributed to Jamie Lyons-Eddy, Director of Campaigns & Programs for Voters Not Politicians, on long lines at polling places and clerk offices across the state of Michigan leading up to the primary election: Multi-hour waits to register and vote for any Michigan resident, whether they live in a township, in a…
Voters Not Politicians statement on preliminary application data for Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the preliminary demographic, geographic, and party affiliation data of applicants to Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission released today by the Michigan Department of State: “We celebrate the fact that a broad geographic distribution of voters have applied to serve…
More groups join Voters Not Politicians calling for U.S. Court of Appeals to reject attack on voter-approved independent redistricting commission
The League of Women Voters of Michigan, the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law, Common Cause, The Leadership Now Project, Issue One, Equal Citizens Foundation, The Center For The Study Of The Presidency And Congress, and Represent Us this week filed amicus briefs with the Sixth Circuit Court of…
Voters Not Politicians statement on Daunt v. Benson update
The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the brief filed today with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in the Daunt, et al v. Benson and Michigan Republican Party v. Benson lawsuits: “An overwhelming majority of Michigan voters approved a fair, impartial, and transparent redistricting process so that voters choose their…