Across Michigan, people are asking the same question: what exactly is on the ballot in 2026? With multiple initiatives circulating, confusing ballot language, and coordinated misinformation campaigns, community organizations and volunteers want clear, accurate information they can confidently bring back to their teams. This Train-the-Trainer event is designed to do exactly that.

Hosted by ABC for Justice with support from VAAC and partner organizations, this session will walk through the major ballot initiatives currently circulating, including: voter ID policy, citizenship requirements for voting, MiKids, Ranked Choice Voting, campaign finance measures, and the Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers referendum. Participants will leave with tools, talking points, and shared strategies for helping people understand what they are signing and why it matters.

Breaking down silos and building power is how we win long-term. This event creates a shared foundation of knowledge so every organizer, volunteer, and directly impacted leader can push accurate information into their communities.

If you are interested in presenting on one of the initiatives, review Michigan’s ballot initiatives on Ballotpedia here.

The post Get Ready for 2026: Join the Train-the-Trainer on Michigan’s Ballot Initiatives appeared first on Voting Access For All.

Earlier this month, VAAC had the privilege of joining the Centers for Family Development at their Saturday community gatherings to discuss voting, civic engagement, and ensuring every voice is heard.

We were especially inspired by the young people who showed up, asked questions, and shared what matters most to them. Their leadership and curiosity remind us that the future of our communities is already in motion.

As always, we shared the facts about voting rights in Michigan. Yes, you can vote even if:

• You have a felony or misdemeanor
• You are on probation, parole, or tether
• You do not have a Michigan ID
• You have unstable housing
• You have a disability
• You are a naturalized U.S. citizen

Thank you to everyone at Centers for Family Development for welcoming us and for the work you do every day to nurture strong, connected communities across generations.

The post Building Power Together: Community Conversations on Voting appeared first on Voting Access For All.

Join us today for the VAAC Friday Community Meeting, where directly impacted people, organizers, and advocates come together to talk about the issues shaping our communities.

This week’s discussion, “Housing Is a Human Right,” centers on the urgent need for safe, stable housing for all Michiganders — including those returning home from incarceration or facing barriers due to economic hardship or disability. We will explore the connections between housing access, civic participation, and community power.

Fridays, 12:30–1:30 PM EST
Virtual on Zoom
Register at bit.ly/VAACFridays

We’ll meet today, Friday, November 7, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM EST on Zoom. There is always space for questions, updates, and shared strategy.

As we close out the year, please save the dates for our final 2025 community meetings: November 21 and December 5.

The post Housing Is a Human Right: Join Today’s VAAC Friday Community Meeting appeared first on Voting Access For All.

On Election Day, Voting Access for All Coalition was featured on FOX 2 Detroit, where Executive Director Angela Davenport spoke about the critical importance of civic education, outreach, and year-round engagement across Michigan communities.

In the interview, Angela emphasized how VAAC works to ensure that every person—regardless of background, housing status, disability, or past involvement with the legal system—knows their rights and can make their voice heard at the ballot box. Her message was clear: voting is power, and that power belongs to everyone.

The segment also honored the spirit and legacy of VAAC’s late founder, Daniel Jones, whose passion for empowering overlooked communities continues to guide our mission today.

Call to Action:
Learn more about VAAC’s work statewide →

The post VAAC in the News: Amplifying Every Voice on Election Day appeared first on Voting Access For All.

Earlier this month, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that a former officer at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility has been charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The news underscores what many have reported for years—systemic abuse, neglect, and unsafe conditions inside the state’s only women’s prison.

Behind each report are real people who deserve safety, dignity, and the opportunity to come home. You can take action by joining the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) for their monthly Commutation Workshop on Thursday, November 20, at 6:30 PM (virtual on Zoom).

These gatherings connect community members with women at Huron Valley to help them prepare commutation applications, share their stories, and plan for their freedom. Through this shared work, participants offer hope, support, and a path toward second chances.

Register to attend: bit.ly/CommWorkshops2025

The post Standing With Women at the Valley: Support Freedom and Second Chances appeared first on Voting Access For All.

Over the past week, Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC) has been on the ground helping people across Michigan exercise their right to vote — from clearing warrants to celebrating early voting and sharing clear, accurate information about how to cast a ballot.

Fresh Starts at the Warrant Clinic

At last Saturday’s Detroit Warrant Clinic, nearly 1,000 misdemeanor and traffic arrest warrants were resolved, giving hundreds of people a second chance and a fresh start. VAAC was proud to be part of this life-changing event, reminding everyone that in Michigan:

• You can vote even if you have a felony or misdemeanor.
• You can vote while on probation, parole, or tether.
• You can vote without a Michigan ID or stable housing.
• You can vote if you have a disability or are a naturalized citizen.

This work is about more than clearing warrants — it’s about restoring freedom, dignity, and the power to participate in democracy fully.

Party at the Polls

VAAC also joined the City of Detroit’s Party at the Polls to celebrate the start of early voting (Oct. 25 – Nov. 2). With music, community, and information, we reminded voters that early voting is open now — no need to wait until Election Day.

Visit votingaccessforall.org or your local clerk’s website to find early voting locations and hours.

Where and How to Vote

Still need to register? There’s time.
You can visit your local clerk’s office this weekend to register and vote the same day.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, but early voting continues through Nov. 2 — and your voice matters now.

The post Out in the Community: Clearing Barriers, Celebrating Early Voting, and Making Every Voice Count appeared first on Voting Access For All.

This Friday, October 24, join Voting Access for All Coalition for an in-depth discussion on how voting impacts our civil rights in Michigan.

We’re honored to welcome Attorney John E. Johnson, Jr., Executive Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) — the operational arm of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission (MCRC). Attorney Johnson will share insights on how voting access, policy, and equity intersect, and how every ballot strengthens our shared fight for justice.

Fridays | 12:30–1:30 PM EST
Virtual on Zoom

Looking Ahead: November VAAC Community Meetings

Mark your calendar for our November Friday Community Meetings, continuing every Friday at 12:30 PM EST.

Next session: November 7, 2025
Stay tuned for topic announcements and special guest presenters as we continue exploring the connections between civic engagement, equity, and justice across Michigan.

The post VAAC Friday Community Meeting: Protecting Civil Rights Through Voting appeared first on Voting Access For All.

Join Voting Access for All Coalition as we attend the Michigan Restorative Justice Summit, a two-day gathering dedicated to transforming harm into healing and reimagining accountability through community-driven solutions.

Dates: Thursday–Friday, October 30–31, 2025
Location: Eastern Michigan University – Student Center, 900 Oakwood St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Hosted by the Dispute Resolution Center, this statewide summit brings together educators, advocates, justice-impacted individuals, and system partners to explore how restorative justice practices can build stronger, safer, and more equitable communities.

The post Join VAAC at the Michigan Restorative Justice Summit appeared first on Voting Access For All.

VAAC Friday Community Meetings are where movement-building happens. Each week, Voting Access for All brings together directly impacted people, organizers, advocates, and neighbors across Michigan to talk about voting access, the criminal legal system, and the issues shaping our communities.

These virtual gatherings offer space for updates, discussion, and collective problem-solving that centers community voices in the fight for justice and equity. Every meeting includes time for questions, conversation, and collaboration, creating a consistent hub for statewide connection.

This week’s guest is Dr. John Johnson, Jr., Executive Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, who will share insights on civil rights advocacy, voter engagement, and building bridges between communities and government.

Friday, 10/24
12:30–1:30 PM EST
Virtual on Zoom

Everyone is welcome—come connect, learn, and strengthen our shared work for justice.

The post Join Next Friday’s VAAC Community Meeting! appeared first on Voting Access For All.

At Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC), we believe in the power of community. Our mission is to expand voting access, uplift directly impacted voices, and advance policies that create safer, more equitable communities for everyone. Whether it’s fighting voter suppression, supporting returning citizens, or reimagining public safety, VAAC stands with those working for change across Michigan.

This month, we’re proud to co-host two community forums that bring together advocates, faith leaders, and neighbors to discuss what true safety and democracy look like in our state.

Community Forums
Tuesday, October 21 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Incubizo, 1938 Burdette St., Ferndale, MI 48220
Learn More →

Reimagining Public Safety: Community & Policing Best Practices
Thursday, October 23 | 6:00–7:30 PM
The New McCree Theatre, 4601 Clio Rd., Flint, MI 48504
Event Details →

These events—organized in partnership with Michigan Roundtable, SE Michigan Sankofa Alliance, St. Matthew & St. Joseph’s, and Solomon Consulting—are spaces for learning, listening, and collective visioning. Together, we’re reimagining systems that truly serve and protect.

Join us in this vital work by attending, volunteering, or making a contribution to sustain VAAC’s mission.

Donate or Get Involved →

The post VAAC in the Community: Join Us for Two Powerful Conversations on Justice and Safety appeared first on Voting Access For All.