Independence Day commemorates the country’s Declaration of Independence and its promise of self-government. Honoring that promise also requires us to remember those who were originally denied it and the generations-long fight for access to the ballot.

In 1852, Frederick Douglass delivered his famous speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” calling on the country to confront the gap between its stated ideals and the reality of slavery.

This week also marks the anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed into law on July 2. Its passage was the result of years of organizing and public pressure, and it expanded federal protections against discrimination.

More than 170 years later, voting rights continue to be contested, debated, defended, and restricted in different ways across the country.

Louisiana v. Callais and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act

This year, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Louisiana v. Callais, a redistricting case that weakened how Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act can be used in challenges involving racially discriminatory voting maps.

Section 2 has been an important legal tool for opposing voting practices and maps that deny voters an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. The Court’s decision makes it more difficult to challenge voting maps that dilute the voting power of Black voters and other communities of color.

This does not change who can vote in Michigan right now. Michigan voters should continue following current Michigan voting laws and procedures.

The decision shows why fair representation, equal voting participation, and clear voter information require continued attention.

Know your rights in Michigan

Many people are told, or assume, that they cannot vote when Michigan law says they can.

🇺🇸 In Michigan, YES, YOU CAN VOTE, even if: 🇺🇸

🇺🇸 You have a felony or misdemeanor

🇺🇸 You are on probation, parole, or tether

🇺🇸 You are awaiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing

🇺🇸 You do not have a Michigan ID

🇺🇸 You have unstable housing

🇺🇸 You have a disability

🇺🇸 You are a naturalized citizen

The only time a person cannot vote in Michigan because of a conviction is while they are currently serving a sentence in jail or prison.

Vote in every election

Freedom has always required more than words. Protecting civil rights and voting rights requires more than personal awareness. It requires organized communities, sustained advocacy, strong legal protections, and people who are willing to resist efforts to create barriers to voting or undermine fair representation.

Know your rights. Help others understand theirs. Vote in every election you are eligible to vote in.

Visit michigan.gov/vaac to register to vote or mi.gov/vote to check your registration, find your clerk, learn about voting options, and get Michigan voting information.