ACLU of Michigan
amullen@aclumich.org; 313-400-8562
Promote the Vote
media@promotethevotemi.com
Legal Defense Fund
media@naacpldf.org
Campaign Legal Center
bquinn@campaignlegalcenter.org
The clock ran out on the Michigan Voting Rights Act, leaving voters of color vulnerable to incoming anti-democracy attacks under Project 2025.
Today, the Michigan legislature’s lame duck session ended without a critical vote on the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MIVRA), a historic bill that would have codified protections against voting discrimination, strengthened access to the polls, and ensured all eligible voters maintain their freedom to vote. This was the current leadership’s last opportunity to pass one of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the state’s history.
Protecting the freedom to vote has a history of bipartisan support – at the state and federal levels. A recent poll shows that the majority of Democratic, Republican, and Independent voters support a MIVRA. Seventy-five civil and voting rights leaders across the state and nationwide urged the Michigan Legislature to pass the MIVRA. The inability to deliver strengthened protections for voters of color and other marginalized voters will go down as a shameful legacy under the current Democratic trifecta – Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, and a Democratic Governor.
Loren Khogali, ACLU of Michigan Executive Director, issued the following statement:
“We are deeply disappointed in the lawmakers for failing to pass the Michigan Voting Rights Act, which would have improved access for people of color, as well as eligible voters, who face hurdles casting their ballot because of a disability or limited English proficiency. This inaction has deprived Michiganders of one of the most comprehensive state voting rights acts in the nation. This is particularly disheartening at a moment when we need to fortify against attacks on our democracy. But we will not back down in this fight. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and we will continue to fight for this fundamental right – as we have done for over 100 years.”
Ashiya Brown, Michigan State Director for All Voting is Local Action, issued the following statement:
“Michigan has been a national leader in achieving a pro-voter agenda and protecting democracy, but today, we fell short of achieving a major victory for Michigan voters. Passing the Michigan Voting Rights Act was an opportunity to further enshrine protections in Michigan’s constitution that were lost when the John Lewis Voting Rights Act lapsed. Despite this, as voting rights and election administration advocates, we will continue to fight for greater access to the ballot, more resources to expand language access, and stronger protections for Michigan voters.”
Micheal Davis, Executive Director of Promote the Vote, issued the following statement:
“Michigan needs a state-level voting rights act, and nearly three-quarters of Michigan voters want their legislature to prioritize passing one. While that didn’t happen this year, Promote the Vote and its partners will not be deterred. We will continue the fight to ensure that every Michigan voter can fully participate in our democracy.”
Michael Pernick, Legal Defense Fund Political Participation Counsel, issued the following statement:
“The failure to pass the MIVRA in the face of the new federal administration’s Project 2025 agenda is a profoundly disappointing missed opportunity for leadership that is devastating for Black voters and other voters of color. State VRAs like the MIVRA are critical to protecting voters of color from ongoing and future attacks against our constitutional freedom to vote. We urge other states to act swiftly to meet this moment by enacting State VRAs, and resist division or distractions that get in the way of building state democracies that work for all Americans, including Black voters.
“In the absence of the MIVRA, we will persist. The Legal Defense Fund will continue working in lockstep with our pro-democracy partners to ensure all eligible voters can exercise their rights at the polls and that their votes will be counted. That is our commitment now and always.”
Aseem Mulji, Campaign Legal Center Legal Counsel for Redistricting, issued the following statement:
“We are disappointed at the failure of the Michigan State Legislature to pass the Michigan Voting Rights Act. Michiganders were counting on lawmakers to protect their freedom to vote and elect people who truly represent them. The MIVRA’s comprehensive protections against racial discrimination in elections were sorely and urgently needed in Michigan, as they are in many other states, given the erosion of similar protections at the federal level. Campaign Legal Center will continue to work alongside voters in Michigan and other states to ensure their freedom to vote is protected.”
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