Is the Michigan Voting Rights Act anticipating upheaval?
By Ciara Dusek, Delta College Student Submission
The 2024 Presidential Election is rapidly approaching, and the Michigan Senate has taken a stance with a new act aiming to protect voters in the upcoming election. The Michigan Voting Rights Act became official on Sept. 17, 2024, under Michigan Democratic Senate members Darrin Camilleri, Stephanie Chang, Erika Geiss and Jeremy Moss.
The Michigan Voting Rights Act seeks to ensure the voting rights of all Michigan residents as nerves heighten. The 2020 Presidential Election was nothing short of violent turbulence leaving Michigan voters to sit and wonder what the 2024 Presidential Election will bring. This act expands from the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and with this, government officials are hoping to quiet the voting anxieties of Michigan voters across the state.
This new act will guarantee that no Michigan voter is refused the right to vote, or be limited on their voting abilities and resources. If during the process, an official or resident attempts to restrict another resident’s right to vote, alternatives will immediately be made available to the person who’s right is infringed upon. Information on the 2024 Presidential Election database will be made available in an easy access location to all.
An important emphasis has also been placed for the heightened protection of minority voters. Any information on the election a resident needs must be translated to a resident’s spoken language, simply offering English information is no longer allowed. This will create a stronger inclusive voting process. With the protests of the 2020 Presidential Election leading to break ins, invasions of privacy, and intensive harassment of voters and voting officials, those who need accompaniment to vote also need greater security. The Michigan Voting Rights Act will assure that disabled Michigan residents can receive the support they require and be protected without fear of intervention, persuasion, or pressure when receiving assistance.
A reflection of the Michigan 2020 Presidential Election demonstrates why this Voting Act was put into place. Michigan’s Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, was surrounded at her home by armed former President Trump supporters in December of 2020, yelling and coming together to scream at the house’s windows to stop stealing the election votes. While vote counts were actively happening in November of 2020, protesters attempted to break into the TFC Center located in Detroit. These protesters insisted that officials stop counting votes, pushing and pounding against the glass doors and windows of the center.
With reactions such as these in the last Presidential Election and looming threats from voters across Michigan and the United States, the Michigan Voting Rights Act is a foundational step in ensuring the rights of Michigan voters, a pledge to protect all citizens who exercise their fundamental right. The opportunity to vote in this election is vital. If you are a Michigan resident, know your rights, stay informed, vote.For additional facts on the new Michigan Voting Rights Act, check out this fact sheet from the Michigan Government.