Voting Rights Essentials: Michigan Edition
October 5, 2008
What’s up fam, I wanted to share with our Michigan readers an email I received from the Michigan ACLU regarding essential information surrounding our voting rights. Please read below and thanks Mary!
Dear Friend,
Today marks five weeks before Election Day, and rumors about voting rights are running wild. Read the information below then share the facts about voting rights in Michigan with a friend.
Fact: You have the right to vote without photo ID in Michigan
Just ask to sign the affidavit form at the polls. Michigan’s new photo ID law allows registered voters who don’t have photo identification, or those who have forgotten to bring photo ID, to vote by signing a form at the polls stating they are not in possession of photo ID. Voters without ID need to know their right to vote because Michigan cities are getting this wrong. Shortly before the August 2008 primary election, both the cities of Allen Park and Grand Blanc sent newsletters to city residents stating the need for photo ID with no mention of the affidavit form for those without ID. The Secretary of State estimates that approximately 370,000 Michigan residents have no form of photo identification.
Fact: You have the right to vote in Michigan if you are an ex-felon.
Even those still on probation or parole can register and cast their vote on Election Day. Michigan law only prohibits those serving a sentence on election day from voting. People in jail awaiting trial or sentencing may vote by absentee ballot, and those who have been released but who are on probation or parole may vote after registering.
Fact: You have the right to vote if your home is in foreclosure
The Michigan State Department of Elections is informing poll workers statewide that voters with homes in foreclosure may not lose their right to vote nor be challenged on their right to vote. Those who have moved from their homes may vote in the same precinct up to 60 days after they have left that address.
Fact: You have the right to vote if you wear campaign gear to the polls
You cannot lose your right to vote if you wear a t-shirt, hat, button or other garb endorsing a candidate or an issue into the polling place. You will, however, be asked to remove these items by a poll worker or risk misdemeanor charges. Any and all campaign materials, including apparel, must be a minimum of 100 ft. outside of the polling place at all times.
Fact: You have the right to be free of intimidation or harassment at the polls
Voters should not be intimidated or discouraged from voting by questions like, “Have you paid your rent?” or “Have you paid your child support?” During the last presidential election, ACLU heard stories of voter intimidation like these occurring in precincts with low-income and African American voters. If voters are harassed or intimidated by anyone at the polling place, they should tell a poll worker immediately and call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE, a joint project of state and national civil rights organizations, including the ACLU of Michigan.
Take action here! Knowing your rights is the best way to protect your vote. We urge you to tell five people here their rights on election day.
Thank you for your efforts to ensure a fair election for all Michigan voters. We couldn’t do it without you.
Sincerely,
Kary Moss, Executive Director
ACLU of Michigan
Top ten take aways from the Biden/Palin debate
October 2, 2008
- Palin actually said that she wanted to expand the powers of the Vice President. After Cheney, that is in a word…scary.
- I choked up when Biden talked about not knowing if your kid is going to make it, only to have Sarah go into a McCain talking point. I understand trying to change the conversation but damn.
- I understand the back and forth between candidates and the media but Palin’s insistence on not answering questions reached a level or rudeness I haven’t seen in a long time. Answer the question! And I didn’t appreciate Palin’s snub of Ifill, show some respect.
- Palin did not answer any question pertaining McCain’s push for deregulation and opted to talk about taxes when it didn’t even come up.
- Joe Biden is smart. Take that back, really smart. Why is being smart so disdained in American politics?
- I don’t know what Palin would do without talking points. Chris Matthews said (and I agree) that Palin sounded like she was at a spelling bee; say the word, spell the word, say the word again.
- Biden is a fighter and Obama should go directly at McCain’s image as a maverick.
- You can actually win a debate by not looking dumb? And why were follow up questions disallowed?
- Why are you winking? I am sorry, why are you winking multiple times? I would never appreciate someone I work with who winked.
- Umm… if McSame voted with Bush 90% of the time then the past definitely matters. This means McSame can’t disown the Bush legacy. In the words of Jay-Z, “We don’t believe you, you need more people!
UPDATE:
No you can’t call me Joe!!! I am a Senator and you will address me as Senator Biden. I will address you as Governor Palin.
Palin’s suit was sharp.
