How does a county build a jail voting program that helps eligible voters register, request absentee ballots, vote, and return their ballots while detained?

At the next Michigan Statewide Jail Voting Workgroup meeting, Genesee County Clerk & Register of Deeds Domonique Clemons will discuss Genesee County’s experience expanding voting access in its local jail.

Join Voting Access For All Coalition (VAAC) on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. ET at vaac.me/VAACJV for a community conversation focused on Genesee County’s jail voting program and strategies for strengthening jail voting across Michigan.

This meeting will cover:

• What led Genesee County to prioritize jail voting
• How eligible voters are identified
• How voter registration, absentee ballots, voting, and ballot return are coordinated
• What has worked well and what county leaders have learned
• What clerks, sheriffs, jail staff, election officials, and community partners each contribute
• What resources counties need to start or strengthen a jail voting program
• Which barriers may be addressed administratively and which may require legislative action

The meeting will close with a discussion about what successful jail voting access could look like across Michigan within the next three years and what work should begin now.

The VAAC Statewide Jail Voting Work Group brings together advocates, organizers, community members, directly impacted people, and partners working to expand voting access for eligible voters in Michigan county jails. Many people held in jail are still legally eligible to vote, including people awaiting trial and people serving misdemeanor sentences. Too often, eligible voters in jail are not given clear information about their rights, voter registration, absentee ballot access, or how to participate in an election while detained.

As the midterm elections approach, this work requires communication, follow through, and active participation. Whether you have been involved in jail voting efforts before or are just learning about this work, you are welcome to attend. VAAC provides guidance, tools, coordination, and support for people interested in helping with jail voting work across Michigan.

People can support this work financially. Donations help fund jail voting postcards, flyers, transportation to jails, and other essential resources needed to expand voting access across Michigan counties.

Donate at vaac.me/give

VAAC’s jail voting work will continue through the November election cycle and beyond.

Upcoming Jail Voting Workgroup meetings:

🗓️ August 27, 2026