Voting Access For All

Election Protection

Updated

Across the country and here in Michigan, coordinated attacks are threatening our freedom to vote. These proposals claim to protect our elections. In reality, Michigan already has secure elections, and voters strengthened protections through constitutional amendments in 2018 and 2022 that expanded access and modernized our system.

What we are seeing now is completely different from the improvements Michigan has made in the past. New policies and ballot proposals are being introduced that would add barriers, create confusion, and exclude voters—especially those who already find it difficult to vote.

collage of warning flyers about voter restrictions

What’s at Stake in Michigan

Michigan has made real progress in expanding access to voting:

  • Early voting
  • Same-day voter registration
  • No-excuse absentee voting
  • Ballot tracking

These systems are working.

But new proposals could roll back these protections and make it harder for people to participate, particularly:

  • Justice-impacted individuals
  • People experiencing housing instability
  • Black and brown communities
  • Low-income voters
  • Women with name changes
  • Elderly voters
  • Naturalized citizens

This is not about fixing a broken system. It is about restricting access to it.

Voting Access, Before and After

Right now in Michigan voters experience:

  • Easy voter registration.
  • Online registration available.
  • Community-based registration drives.
  • Fewer barriers to participation.

If the proposed changes take effect voters will encounter:

  • Documents like birth certificates or passports required.
  • Limited or restricted online registration.
  • Community-based registration assistance not allowed.
  • More steps, more confusion, more exclusion.

👉 These changes shift voting from accessible to restrictive, especially for people already navigating barriers.

Threats We Are Tracking in Michigan

Here are the latest threats we are looking at. New threats surface every day, so check back often for the latest information.

Documentary Proof of Citizenship (DPOC)

Status: Proposed Constitutional Amendment, Circulating in Michigan.

This petition would:

  • Require proof of citizenship documents to register to vote.
  • Apply even to already registered voters.
  • Limit or eliminate online registration.
  • Restrict community-based voter registration efforts.

What this could look like in real life:

  1. You are told you need a birth certificate or passport.
  2. You do not have it readily available.
  3. You must pay for replacement documents.
  4. You must wait days or weeks to receive them.
  5. You may need transportation or internet access to complete the process.
  6. You miss registration deadlines.

👉 Each step creates another layer of difficulty.

👉 For many people, this is enough to stop them from voting altogether.

The SAVE Act (Federal Legislation)

Status: Re-introduced in the House.

Federal legislation that would require documentary proof of citizenship nationwide.

Impact: Would disproportionately affect women with name changes, elderly voters, naturalized citizens, and low-income individuals.

National and State-Level Efforts

Groups across the country are advancing similar policies under the guise of election security.

Impact: These efforts create confusion, spread misinformation, and increase barriers, despite the fact that non-citizen voting in federal elections is already illegal.

Know Before You Sign

Before signing any petition, take time to understand what it actually does. Petition language can be misleading. Once something is placed on the ballot, it is very difficult to undo.

You have the right to:

  • Ask questions
  • Take your time before signing
  • Decline to sign if you are unsure

Your signature is powerful. Make sure it is not being used to take away your rights or someone else’s.

Why This Matters

Many voters will not hear about these proposals until they are already on the ballot. Without clear, community-based education, people may vote on policies they do not fully understand.

This is how barriers are created quietly, and how communities already facing challenges are pushed further out of the democratic process.

What We Are Doing

Voting Access For All Coalition is working across Michigan to protect and expand access to voting through:

  • Community Education
    • Breaking down complex policies into clear, accessible information
    • Hosting community conversations, trainings, and forums
    • Developing tools and resources for voters
  • Direct Outreach
    • Engaging voters in trusted spaces such as shelters, reentry programs, and community centers
    • Providing accurate, accessible information where it is needed most
  • Policy Advocacy
    • Opposing harmful ballot proposals and legislation
    • Working with partners across Michigan to protect voting rights
    • Elevating community voices in policy conversations
  • Storytelling and Narrative
    • Sharing real experiences from impacted communities
    • Building awareness through storytelling, media, and creative campaigns

The Role of Misinformation

Today, many people rely on social media, word of mouth, or quick online searches for information about voting. Not all of that information is accurate.

Misinformation and AI-generated content can:

  • Spread confusion about voting laws
  • Misrepresent ballot proposals
  • Make harmful policies appear beneficial

This is why trusted, community-based education is critical. VAAC is working to ensure communities have access to clear, accurate, and accessible information so they can make informed decisions.

Why VAAC

Voting Access For All Coalition is a statewide leader in protecting voting rights for communities that are often excluded from the democratic process.

Our work is rooted in:

  • Direct engagement with justice-impacted communities
  • Trusted relationships across Michigan
  • A commitment to building lasting civic power

Get Involved

Protecting our right to vote requires all of us.

  • Learn what is on the ballot before you vote
  • Share accurate information in your community
  • Join our campaigns and community conversations
  • Support this work through partnership or funding

We would love to have your help. We are training and deploying volunteers across Michigan. Contact us for details.

Read More about Voting Rights

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