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 voting and early voting activities that have expanded citizen access to democracy in our state.
We believe Secretary Benson’s proposed agenda –– in particular, mandating that ballots postmarked by Election Day and received shortly thereafter are counted, establishing more early in-person voting, providing funds to ensure voting locations are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and for curbside voting, and allowing processing of absentee ballots starting two weeks before Election Day –– would continue to give more Michiganders the chance to express their voice through elections in Michigan.
We strongly urge Michigan legislative leaders to support Secretary Benson’s legislative agenda and pass these much needed reforms without delay.
Over 650 Voters Not Politicians volunteers worked with local clerks across the state through the 2020 general election on the VoteSafe campaign to secure additional registration and voting hours, as well as satellite locations and secure drop boxes. The organization also worked with partners to launch www.MichiganDropBox.com to help voters locate secure drop box locations in their voting jurisdiction. VNP’s Nights & Weekends program secured wins in 17 municipalities including Pontiac, Kalamazoo, Sterling Heights, and more, serving over 800,000 registered voters across the state.
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Contact: Hannah Lupi
hlupi@martinwaymire.com; 517-643-5153
Voters Not Politicians is a nonpartisan advocacy organization that works to strengthen democracy by engaging people across Michigan in effective citizen action. Learn more at www.votersnotpoliticians.com.
