Newsletter: Voters Not Politicians is the best investment in this election

Voters Not Politicians Newsletter

September 4, 2024 | Volume 6, No. 7

Hi Friend,

As we approach this critical, historic election, we know that you have many options for volunteering and donating. Here’s why Voters Not Politicians should be part of your plans to take action this fall:

  1. Our people-powered organization has a track record of effectiveness because of our broad, dedicated volunteer base; skilled, organized staff; and a can-do attitude fueled by our previous wins, including the improbable movement that ended gerrymandering in Michigan.
  2. The time and money that you give to the VNP family of organizations builds power for this citizen-driven pro-democracy movement. No matter what happens this cycle, on November 6th when other campaigns are cleaning out their offices, VNP will still be here, building power for voters in Michigan. 
  3. From now until November 5th, we’re putting 100% of our effort into educating voters, encouraging turnout, and helping voters identify pro-voter candidates. An informed, engaged electorate is essential to secure the future of our democracy. 

Democracy is on the ballot this year, from the top of the ticket to the back of the ballot. And the work of Voters Action Committee, our affiliated Super PAC, could very well make the difference in maintaining a pro-voter majority in both the Michigan House and the Michigan Supreme Court. 

Please volunteer or donate (or both!) today.

Sincerely,
Jamie Lyons-Eddy
Executive Director
Voters Not Politicians

In This Issue

  • My City Votes Makes a Difference – Because Each Vote Counts
  • Why We Need to Protect the Pro-Democracy Supreme Court
  • ICYMI – VNP is Making Headlines
  • Upcoming Events
  • How you can stay involved

Updates from the Field

My City Votes Makes a Difference – Because Each Vote Counts

We know that in close elections, like we saw in 2016 and 2020, just 2 votes per precinct can determine the outcome of the elections. That’s why it’s so important to reach low-propensity voters now and let them know that their vote really does matter. 

This year, Voters Ed Fund relaunched and expanded our comprehensive voter education campaign, My City Votes, to reach voters who have been historically marginalized in our democracy, and give them the information and encouragement they need to make their voices heard. 

Help Us Reach 200K Voters through My City Votes

Why We Need to Protect the Pro-Democracy Supreme Court

Voters Not Politicians knows intimately how our state courts can impact the trajectory of our democracy. In 2018, a split Michigan Supreme Court decision compelled the State Board of Canvassers to place our independent redistricting amendment on the ballot for voters. 

That’s why we’re working to make sure we protect the nonpartisan, pro-voter majority on the Michigan Supreme Court in this election. 

What does that look like? Click here to learn more about our plan to secure a pro-democracy MI Supreme Court majority. 

Help Us Keep Extremists Out of MI Supreme Court

Want more updates from Voters Not Politicians? Sign up for our Weekly Update email!

ICYMI: VNP Making Headlines

2024 ELECTION SELECTIONS

A selection of important information, dates, and details for the 2024 election cycle

November 5 General Election – Important Dates

  • Voters can right now request an absentee ballot online or submit a paper application. (If you want to vote from home, we recommend that you request your ballot by October 15 to give yourself enough time to receive your ballot, complete it, and return it to your city or township clerk by the deadline.)
  • September 26: First day that you can vote in person, with an absentee ballot, at your city or township clerk’s office.
  • October 21: Last day to register to vote online or by mail (starting October 22, you’ll need to register in person at your city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency).
  • October 22: For most voters*, last day to drop your ballot in the mail (starting October 23, we recommend returning your ballot in person to your city or township clerk’s office or satellite office, or to a secure drop box provided by your clerk).
    • *If you’re serving in the military or living overseas, your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day (November 5) and received by November 11 to count.
  • October 25: Deadline for most voters to spoil an absentee ballot.
  • October 26: First day of the mandatory early voting period.
  • November 3: Last day of the mandatory early voting period.
  • November 4 at 4 p.m.: Deadline to vote in person, with an absentee ballot, at your city or township clerk’s office if you’re registered to vote where you live. After November 4 at 4 p.m., you must vote at your polling place on Election Day.
  • November 5: Election Day! Polls are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time. If you need to register to vote, you can register and then vote at your city or township clerk’s office until 8 p.m.

Poll Challengers Needed – Sign Up at Here

  • Voters Ed Fund is recruiting Nonpartisan Poll Challengers to monitor election administrators and poll workers, and advocate for voters at risk of voter disenfranchisement at the polls.
    • If you are planning to serve as an election poll worker in November, you are still eligible to serve as a Nonpartisan Poll Challenger during the early voting period.
  • Nonpartisan poll challengers play a crucial role in protecting voters from being disenfranchised at their polling place by being the voter’s advocate, and monitoring the election process at polling locations, satellite offices, and absent voter counting boards. 
  • Poll challengers must be registered voters in Michigan, committed to nonpartisan volunteerism while serving as a poll challenger, and available on Election Day or during the Early Voting period.

UPCOMING EVENTS

TAKE ACTION

How you can stay involved, and help make structural democracy reforms

  • Join our volunteer ranks. You can be part of the volunteer army that makes Voters Not Politicians a pro-democracy powerhouse!
  • Make a donation to keep our pro-democracy movement going. Monthly recurring donations are especially important to keep VNP strong and help us plan for the future. 
  • Become a visible part of our people-powered, pro-voter movement with official VNP merch!
Person in a hoodie (Hoodie Text: All Political Power is Inherent in the People) walking a dog by a tree with flowers, with a banner reading "SHOP VNP MERCH".
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