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Redistricting Updates from VNP
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The Headlines This week the MICRC heard Voting Rights Act and partisan fairness analysis on the 33 draft map configurations. They also named several map variations with (at times controversial) bird names. We expect the commission to narrow the options next week, and we will work with partners and bring you our analysis. There are…
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Minnesota ends prison gerrymandering
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With Governor Tim Walz’s signature, the state is the latest to reject the Census Bureau’s flawed and outdated way of counting incarcerated people. May 20, 2024 Originally published Minnesota ends prison gerrymandering to the Prisoners of the Census Blog. On Friday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed HF 4772 — an omnibus elections policy bill —…
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Healing Harm through Restorative Justice and the Role of the Community
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Tuesday May 28, 2024, 6–8 pm The Dispute Resolution Center and Friends of Restorative Justice present Fred Van Liew, a pioneer and practitioner in the work of restorative justice speaking on “Healing Harm through Restorative Justice and the Role of the Community”. Hear from Fred Van Liew about his experiences with community dialogs between juveniles…
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Washtenaw County Expungement Fair Set for May 17, 2024
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For information about upcoming expungement fairs, please visit Nation Outside. Pre-registration for the event on May 17th, 2024 now closed. While walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis, individuals traveling from long distances should be aware that this event is primarily designed to assist individuals in determining their eligibility for expungement under Michigan Law…
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The Second Look Movement: A Review of the Nation’s Sentence Review Laws
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From our friends at the Sentencing Project Legislation authorizing judges to review sentences after a person has served a lengthy period of time has been referred to as a second-look law. Today, The Sentencing Project released a new report, “The Second Look Movement: A Review of the Nation’s Sentence Review Laws,” highlighting the evolution and…
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Joy Reid on Voting
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Joy Reid gave a powerful discourse on the critical importance of voting April 6, 2024, at the Apollo Theater where she discussed her new book, Medgar & Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America, with Rachel Maddow. I highly recommend you watch the whole discussion if possible, which includes not only Rachel…
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Panel Discussion: Unlocking the Ballot. Ensuring Voting Rights For Incarcerated Citizens
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Whether a person has a felony record, are on probation, parole, tether, or awaiting arraignment or trial—even while in jail— they have a constitutional right to vote in Michigan. Join members of Voting Access for All and a panel of experts for a community conversation about the process and policies currently in place, and those…
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Citizens for Prison Reform Call to Action
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From our friends at Michigan Citizens for Prison Reform: What better thing to do than to write a new quick reminder to Speaker Tate and Governor Whitmer? And remind them that we are still waiting for them to take action on SB493 and allow the House Government Operations Committee to hold a hearing. If you…
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A Brighter Way to Host Community BBQ
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A Brighter Way is thrilled to invite you to our 2nd Annual Community BBQ, where the spirit of togetherness meets good food and enriching conversations! Friday, May 17th, 2024 @ Riverside Park in Ypsilanti, MI. 3-7pm Join in for a delightful afternoon filled with: Delicious BBQ | Engaging conversations | Information booths from local organizations…
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Take Action to Support the Michigan Voting Rights Act
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From our friends at Promote the Vote Michigan. Last week voting rights advocates, community leaders, and lawmakers filled a Senate Elections and Ethics Committee hearing room to talk about the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MI VRA). Leaders including Yvonne White, president of NAACP Michigan State Conference, spoke passionately about finishing the work civil rights leaders…
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8 Ways to Have a Successful Legislative Visit: Making the Most of Your Interaction
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This post first appeared on Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration. Attending a legislative visit is a chance to talk with your elected representatives. You can advocate for issues that matter to you and your community. You may be welcoming them to your organization, school, or neighborhood. It’s key to make the most of this…
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VAAC Joins Jocelyn Benson at Farmington High School
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What an inspiring morning at North Farmington High School on May 1, 2024! Angela Davenport from VAAC teamed up with When You Vote I WIN(WYWIW) to spark a powerful conversation about the importance of voting among young voters. With the presence of special guests like Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa…