Deputy SOS Edevbie calls for passage of Michigan Voting Rights Act

Law would strengthen voter protections in Michigan following U.S. Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais ruling

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie urged lawmakers to pass the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MVRA), legislation that would strengthen protections against voter suppression and discrimination following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that weakened key measures of the federal Voting Rights Act.

"The U.S. Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais ruling will go down in history as one of the most shameful and discriminatory actions taken by the United States Supreme Court in the 21st century," Edevbie testified during a hearing of the Michigan Senate Elections and Ethics Committee. "The decision is an insult to those in this country who, not that long ago, were beaten, jailed, and killed in pursuit of equality and the right to vote. It is also a deliberate, and years-long attempt to resurrect Jim Crow and make racial discrimination legal again."

Last week, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson worked with legislators to reintroduce the MVRA, comprised of Senate Bills 961-964. Yesterday, she and bill sponsors Sens. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) and Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield); Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield), lead sponsor of the MVRA in the state House; and other legislators held a press conference urging the Legislature to pass this critical legislation. The MVRA will establish state-level protections to ensure voting in Michigan is safe and more accessible, guaranteeing voters get fair representation and equal access to the polls. Specifically, the legislation would:

• Prohibit vote denial, dilution, and/or suppression and provide remedies for violations
• Create a nonpartisan and transparent voter institute and database to provide a center for research, training, and information on voting systems and election administration, with easy-to-access information in one location
• Expand access to election-related information in languages other than English
• Enhance and clarify protections for voters with disabilities or who otherwise need assistance to vote

In the aftermath of the court's ruling, several states, including Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina, began redrawing or expressed intent to redraw their district maps.

"We are calling on everyone who cares about our state, our country, and our most fundamental freedoms to join in this fight," Edevbie said. "In doing so, Michigan can lay down the blueprint and show other states, communities, and voters how they can fight back and win. The time to act is now - our rights depend on it."

READ: Deputy SOS Aghogho Edevbie's full testimony to Michigan Senate Elections and Ethics Committee

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