Dec 21, 2024 Story by: Editor
The Michigan legislature’s lame-duck session concluded without a vote on the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MIVRA), a groundbreaking bill designed to combat voting discrimination, enhance poll access, and safeguard the right to vote for all eligible residents. This missed opportunity marks a critical failure to pass one of the state’s most comprehensive civil rights protections.
The MIVRA had enjoyed bipartisan support historically at both the state and federal levels. Recent polling revealed widespread support among Democrats, Republicans, and Independents for the act. Despite advocacy from 75 civil and voting rights leaders across the state and nation, the Democratic-controlled Michigan legislature failed to act, leaving a tarnished legacy of inaction on voter protections.
Responses from Voting Rights Advocates
Loren Khogali, Executive Director of the ACLU of Michigan, expressed deep disappointment:
“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, highlighted the setback for Michigan’s pro-voter agenda:
“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.”
Michael Davis, Executive Director of Promote the Vote, reiterated the organization’s commitment:
“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, Political Participation Counsel for the Legal Defense Fund, underscored the urgency for state-level protections:
“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, Legal Counsel for Redistricting at the Campaign Legal Center, echoed the disappointment:
“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.”
Moving Forward
The inability to pass the MIVRA leaves Michigan voters, especially communities of color, more vulnerable to discriminatory practices and anti-democracy initiatives. However, advocates remain committed to fighting for voting rights and ensuring that every citizen has an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process. Source: LDF
