Judicial races appear on Michigan ballots, but many voters have questions about what the courts actually do, how judges and justices affect our daily lives, and what voters should understand before making choices in judicial elections.

To close out Semana Nacional de Educación al Votante, join Voting Access For All Coalition on Friday, October 9, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM ET for a special statewide VAAC Friday Community Meeting:

The Courts on Your Ballot: A Judicial Breakdown

Our featured guest will be Justice Kyra Harris Bolden of the Michigan Supreme Court.

Together, we’ll take a closer look at Michigan’s court system, how cases move through the courts, and the role of the Michigan Supreme Court.

We’ll also talk about the difference between cases decided by Michigan courts and cases that reach the U.S. Supreme Court, and how court decisions can affect people’s rights and daily lives.

What we’ll cover

The conversation will include:

• The roles of District Court, Circuit Court, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the Michigan Supreme Court
• What kinds of questions the Michigan Supreme Court decides
• What determines whether a case may be heard at the federal level
• Significant Michigan Supreme Court decisions and what they can teach us about the Court’s role
• Why judicial elections are part of understanding your ballot
• Community questions and discussion

You do not need to be a lawyer or already understand the court system to participate. This is a nonpartisan educational conversation designed to help community members better understand this part of the ballot before Election Day.

Join us Friday

Friday, October 9, 2026
12:30 to 1:30 PM ET
Virtual en Zoom

Join at vaac.me/Fridays

Community members, directly impacted people, advocates, organizers, and allies are invited to attend.

Todos son bienvenidos.