On Wednesday, April 29, VAAC will be in Lansing alongside Michigan United, Reproductive Freedom for All Michigan, Black Voters Matter, Mothering Justice, and partners from across the state for Capitol Day 2026.

This statewide day of action brings community members together to engage directly with lawmakers on issues including voting rights, reproductive freedom, healthcare access, and economic justice.

As part of this effort, VAAC will be meeting with legislators to provide education about SB 603 / HB 4812 (Voting Access for Returning Citizens) and SB 537 (ending prison gerrymandering) and to discuss the importance of these policies for communities across Michigan. Our team, including our high school interns, will participate in these conversations and learn how policy decisions shape access to civic participation.

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Voting Access for Returning Citizens (SB 603 / HB 4812)

In Michigan, voting rights are automatically restored to individuals with felony convictions once they are released from prison. However, many people returning home are not aware that they are eligible to vote or do not have the information needed to successfully register and participate.

SB 603, introduced by State Senator Stephanie Chang, and HB 4812, introduced by State Representative Joe Pavlov, address this gap by ensuring that individuals leaving incarceration receive clear, accurate information about their voting rights and how to participate in elections upon release.

This includes information on:

• Eligibility after release
• How to register to vote
• How to vote in person or by absentee ballot
• Key election dates

Providing this information ensures that returning citizens have the tools they need to participate in civic life.

When people are not informed that their rights have been restored, they are effectively excluded from the democratic process even after release.

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Prison Gerrymandering (SB 537)

Prison gerrymandering is the practice of counting incarcerated people where they are imprisoned, rather than in their home communities, for the purpose of drawing political district lines.

In Michigan, incarcerated individuals are currently counted as residents of the districts where they are confined, not the communities they come from.

This outdated policy:

• Distorts district maps
• Shifts resources away from impacted communities
• Silences the voices of communities most impacted by incarceration

SB 537, introduced by State Senator Sylvia Santana, would end this practice by ensuring that incarcerated individuals are counted in their home communities for redistricting purposes.

This bill is intended to restore fair representation and political power to impacted communities.

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What We’re Bringing to Capitol Day

VAAC, alongside our coalition partners, will be speaking with legislators about policies that expand access to voting and ensure fair representation.

This work reflects our mission to build civic power by ensuring that people impacted by incarceration and systemic barriers have access to the tools, information, and opportunities to engage.

Join us at Capitol Day:

Register here: https://bit.ly/capday2026

Free buses are available from Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint, and Saginaw.

Food will be provided (please indicate any dietary restrictions on the sign-up form).

A Kid-Zone / Youth Activity Table will be available, and there are roles for people of all backgrounds and experience levels.