PEG 6th Congressional District Newsletter 354
Thursday, February 1, 2024 Michigan Presidential Primaries: Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Think about the shortage of farmworkers the next time you buy groceries
If you think Immigration issues don’t affect you, wait until you consider the connection between your grocery prices and the shortage of farmworkers.
Chaos at the border, chaos fueled by MAGA Republicans and lack of immigration reform affect the cost of putting food on your table. Florida’s immigration policy illustrates why farm workers are afraid to go to work including hospitals collecting immigration status as well as tough penalties for those who hire or provide transportation to agricultural sites and migrant relocations programs.
Action Item: Vote for responsible governing, as exemplified by the Biden/Harris Administration.
Michigan Legislation: A Deeper Dive into New Voting Laws
PEG’s Newsletter 350 listed much of the positive work of the Michigan Legislature in 2023. The following is a more specific look at the legislation related to voting in the State of Michigan. For additional details, check out the article “Sweeping Changes to Michigan Election Law Enacted in Advance of the 2024 Contests” (the National Law Review) and a press release from the governor’s office, “Governor Whitmer Signs Historic Election Bills Package to Ensure Every Vote Can be Cast and Counted.”
Protecting Election Workers and Officials
House Bill 4129’s purpose is to safeguard election workers in Michigan by guaranteeing legal protection against intimidation. It seeks to prevent anyone from obstructing election officials from carrying out their duties during elections, and imposes criminal penalties for such actions. Senate Bill 505 complements this effort by prescribing a maximum felony penalty of five years for individuals who hinder election workers. The legislation is a response to instances of intimidation reported in Michigan following the 2020 election.
Improving Election Efficiency
Senate Bill 385 is intended to enhance the efficiency of Michigan’s election process by allowing individuals to apply electronically to serve as precinct election inspectors (i.e., poll workers). This amendment to Michigan Election Law is designed to streamline the application process, making it more accessible and cost-effective for both applicants and local governments. Election inspectors are critically important to upholding the integrity of elections and promoting transparency. Additionally, House Bills 4983 and 4695 aim to simplify voter registration processes and increase accessibility to voting. These bills seek to ensure that every eligible citizen can participate in the democratic process. Finally, House Bill 4569 allows for the preregistration of individuals aged 16 to 17.5, which will streamline their voter registration process when they reach voting age. This measure aims to encourage lifelong civic engagement among young people.
Voter Registration
Senate Bill 594 seeks to expand voter registration options in Michigan by allowing citizens to use the last four digits of their social security number when registering, a method commonly used in other government processes for security. This measure aims to enhance accessibility and streamline the registration process. Additionally, House Bills 4983, 4984, 4985, and 4986 expand Michigan’s automatic voter registration process. House Bill 4983 requires the Secretary of State to automatically register eligible individuals who apply for a license or ID card, sending them a notice with the option to decline registration. It also allows certain state agencies to be designated as automatic voter registration agencies and requires coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Corrections, and the Secretary of State for voter registration purposes. House Bills 4984, 4985, and 4986 clarify the process for individuals who wish to decline automatic registration. These bills aim to simplify the registration process, safeguard voter information, and promote a robust exercise of democratic rights.
Election Certification
Senate Bill 529 aligns Michigan with the US Senate’s Electoral Count Reform Act by updating the election canvassing and certification process. The bill emphasizes the importance of respecting voters’ will and ensuring accurate vote counting. It specifies when the governor must issue a certificate of ascertainment for presidential election results and safeguards voters from having their ballots rejected due to mistakes by election officials. In order to protect voter rights and election integrity, Senate Bills 590 and 591 clarify the process for seeking judicial relief from the certification of a presidential election by the board of state canvassers. Senate Bill 570 prohibits county clerks from conducting election audits if they hold certain political positions, ensuring impartiality in the audit process.
Use of Artificial Intelligence to Influence Elections
House Bill 5141 mandates that political ads created with artificial intelligence must disclose this fact. House Bill 5143 defines “artificial intelligence” under the Michigan Campaign Finance Act, acknowledging its increasing impact on elections and political information. The bill emphasizes the need for transparency in evolving technology. House Bill 5144 criminalizes the distribution of deceptive media generated by artificial intelligence with the intent to harm a candidate’s reputation or electoral prospects. House Bill 5145 adds a felony sentencing guideline for repeat violations of House Bill 5144 within five years, aiming to deter deceptive practices in political advertising.
Take a moment to thank your Michigan legislators for ensuring that our voices are heard at the ballot box and that our fundamental right to vote is now more clearly defined and enshrined in our laws.
Lastly, here’s an excellent piece from MichiganVotes.org to review and share with others: Know Your Voting Rights.
Events and Opportunities
Monday, February 5 – Wednesday, February 7. Ways to Get Out the Vote and Empower Young Voters
Join NextGen America in contacting young voters in preparation for the 2024 primary elections. Building the power of the youth vote is crucial to our democracy, and that starts by providing youth with the information they need to get out and vote. Here are some ideas on how you can help:
- Monday, February 5.Text young Nevada voters ths week! Sign up here. 1—3 pm
- Monday, February 5 and Tuesday, February 6. Join the social media team! Sign up here. 3—4 pm
- Wednesday, February 7. If you’ve never texted with Nextgen or want a refresher, sign up for Wednesday’s text training. 4—5 pm
- Follow Jessica Craven on Chop Wood and Carry Water
Saturday, February 3 and Tuesday, February 13. More for New York’s Special Election
Join volunteers from Indivisible Illinois, Statewide Indivisible Michigan (SWIM), Swing Left Milwaukee, and more, showing up for our friends in New York. Register here. 4—5:30 PM on February 3, and 1—2:30 PM on February 13.
Through Tuesday, February 13. Phone Bank for Tom Suozzi (NY-3)! Special Election for George Santos’s seat
“With the February 13 Special Election fast approaching, we need all hands on deck to get the word out and let folks know how important it is to vote in this special election!” Register here for various two-hour shifts.
Saturday, March 23. “Jumpstart for 2024: Tips for Joyful, Sustainable Activism” Virtual Workshop
Join Field Team 6 (“Register Democrats. Save the world.”) for this “meeting of like-minded folks that will leave you feeling refreshed, regenerated, and with the tools you need to get back to full strength… so you can get back out there, and kick some a$$ from a place of joy as we head into the 2024 election cycle.” Register here. 7—8:30 pm
Wednesdays at 8 pm. America at a Crossroads Virtual Series
- February 7. Bret Stephens in conversation with Madeleine Brand: “Anti-Semitism: From Harvard to Gaza.” (Register Here.)
- February 21. Rick Hasen, a professor of law at UCLA Law and the Director of UCLA Laws Safeguarding Democracy, with Larry Mantle: “A Real Right to Vote: How a Constitutional Amendment Can Safeguard American Democracy.” (Register here.)
Tuesday, February 13. Women’s Heart Health
More than 60 million women in the United States are living with some form of heart disease, including arrhythmia, heart failure and coronary artery disease. Join Washington Post Live during American Heart Month for conversations with public officials and health experts about cardiovascular risk factors for women, the disproportionate impact on women of color and how lifestyle changes can improve heart health. Register here. 9 AM
Tuesday, February 13. The Exchange: Public Health Approaches to Ending Gun Violence
The University of Michigan School of Public Health, in collaboration with the Institute of Firearm Injury Prevention, is proud to present a trio of events on February 13 to explore solutions to this public health crisis. Save your seat for these critical conversations. Join all of the events or just one. This event is both online and in person at the School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Hts, Ann Arbor. RSVP here. Keynote Speaker, Brandon Wolf, starts at 10 am ET
Big Tent USA Talk Series
Tuesday, February 13. Election Security with MI Sec. of State, Jocelyn Benson
Big Tent is thrilled to host distinguished guest speaker, Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s 43rd Secretary of State. A celebrated figure in the realm of electoral integrity and accessibility, Secretary Benson has emerged as one of the nation’s foremost authorities in conducting secure and inclusive elections. This event will provide an unparalleled opportunity to hear directly from Secretary Benson about her groundbreaking work in overseeing Michigan’s 2020 and 2022 general elections. RSVP here. Noon
Tuesday, March 19. Protecting the Right to Vote: One ID at a Time with Lauren Kunis
VoteRiders is a non-partisan, non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that all citizens are able to exercise their freedom to vote. VoteRiders informs and helps citizens to secure their voter ID as well as inspires and supports organizations, local volunteers, and communities to sustain voter ID education and assistance efforts. Join in to hear from Lauren Kunis, CEO VoteRiders. RSVP today. Noon
Wednesday, March 27. Unmasking the Christian Right
BigTent is pleased to host investigative journalist Kathryn Joyce and author Jeff Sharlet. Both are long-time observers and experts on the American right-wing and conservative movement. They write on the central role of the Christian right in the rise of Trumpism and neofascism, and the types of institutions that the right-wing has built to create and sustain their movement to end democracy. RSVP here. 7 pm
Sunday, March 10. FREE Ann Arbor Climate Teach-in
The annual A2 Climate Teach-in provides an easy and meaningful entry point for those who want to get more involved in climate action. You will have the chance to build your own Climate Action Toolkit. Various workshops and discussions throughout the day culminate in the keynote address, “What We Can Do Together for Climate Action,” delivered by United States Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Michigan’s 6th District. Genesis of Ann Arbor, 2309 Packard St, Ann Arbor. Register here. 1:30—5:15 pm
Visit the PEG Events Page for more upcoming events at www.equalityingov.org/events!
Things to do, read, watch, and listen to
PEGGY’s Glossary: The Types of Primary Elections
- Closed Primaries: In closed primaries, any registered voter with a declared party affiliation must vote for their party-specific candidate only. (This prevents “cross-over” voting by members of other parties.) Unaffiliated or Independent voters are excluded from participating in the party nominating contests.
- Open Primaries: In open primaries, any registered voter may choose which party’s primary they wish to vote in, regardless of party affiliation. Michigan holds open primaries.
- Semi-Closed Primaries: In semi-closed primaries, any registered voter with a declared party affiliation* must vote for their party-specific candidate. Unaffiliated voters are allowed to vote in either party’s primary.
- Semi-Open Primaries: In semi-open primaries, any registered voter with a declared party affiliation* must vote for their party-specific candidate. Unaffiliated voters are allowed to vote in either party’s primary.
- Top-Two Primaries: In blanket primaries, any registered voter may vote for candidates from any party that are listed on the same ballot. The top two candidates who received the most votes advance to the general election, with the possibility of two candidates from the same party facing off in the general election.
- Blanket Primaries: In blanket primaries, any registered voter can select candidates from either party who are listed on the same ballot. Voters select one candidate from each party, and they advance to the general election.
*Declaring party affiliations (your political party preference) typically occur when you register to vote.
PEG Video of the Week: 3 Years of Biden/Harris Administration
PEG Photo of the Week: President Biden riding a bike with one hand!
