Michigan residents recently concluded a historic experiment in representative democracy. For the first time, the drawing of voting districts that will shape our representation in Washington, D.C., and Lansing for an entire decade was not led by self-interested politicians.  Thanks to the hard work of Voters Not Politicians and their allies to pass a redistricting […]

The nonprofit group that successfully pushed to amend the Michigan Constitution and create a nonpartisan citizen-led redistricting process, took a moment Thursday to both reflect on the success of that effort, but also to say it was, “moving forward to protect rights of Michigan voters.” Voters Not Politicians (VNP), which helped establish the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting […]

Nineteen non-profits in Michigan are backing a voters’ rights proposal for this fall’s general election. If the proposal gets on the ballot and is passed, it would give active military members access to absentee ballots 45 days prior to election day, allowing them to return them up to 6 days after election day if they […]

Right-wing groups have launched an unusual political campaign in Michigan, uniting major Republican donors — including Betsy DeVos, Donald Trump’s former education secretary — with far-right militants in an effort to exploit the state’s petition rules and bypass the normal legislative process. If successful, this could lead to the veto-proof enactment of a series of bills […]

With so many voting-related petitions circulating these days, why should a voter sign and support any specific one of them? It’s a good question with a simple answer. “Promote the Vote 2022” is designed to protect and enhance our democracy. It is the most inclusive and extensive of all the petitions. The “Promote the Vote […]

In celebration of Women’s History Month and in recognition of International Women’s Day, here are thoughts and reflections from some Greater Lansing women who are promoting hope and breaking barriers for women every day. Women trailblazers are often not recognized This month, we must recognize the enduring achievements of women who fought to make our world a […]

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers met and approved the petition summary and conditionally approved the petition form for Promote the Vote 2022’s pro-voter ballot initiative, clearing the way for the campaign to begin collecting signatures. The initiative is intended to improve access and security for Michigan elections. The ballot initiative would provide a week […]

On Friday, an MLive reporter was approached by a paid circulator outside of the Dollar Tree on Westnedge Avenue in Portage, who told the reporter they were collecting signatures to help special needs kids. The circulator, who identified themselves as a paid employee from Florida, declined to give any other details when asked about the petition, Let […]

The group behind the constitutional amendment that created Michigan’s citizen-led, independent redistricting process took steps Monday to defend the commission’s work in court against a lawsuit brought by Republicans challenging the new congressional map. Voters Not Politicians filed a motion to intervene as a defendant in the lawsuit against the commissioners who drew the map. […]

A new ballot initiative filed with the Michigan Secretary of State Monday could nullify Republican-led efforts to restrict voting and enshrine a series of voting rights — including barring partisan interference in future elections — in the state’s constitution, election experts said Monday. The “Promote the Vote 2022” ballot initiative would amend the state constitution to improve both security […]