Criminal Justice reform happens through elected lawmakers, judges, prosecutors and sheriffs. Through our vote, we put the right people in office to help change the systems that impact our lives.

“As a voter, people should understand that when they vote for a particular candidate, that elected official is the employee of the voter, and the voter is the employer.  People should vote for candidates who have their best interest at heart.” — Percy Glover

Candidates for public office are most open to influence during their campaigns when they actively need to seek support from voters. By engaging in voter and candidate education, small groups of engaged local residents can have an outsized impact in shaping who gets elected and how people govern once in office.

Local elected officials, whether city council members, county commissioners, or township board members have tremendous impact on the front door of mass incarceration by setting policing policies, as well as the back door of reentry by passing policies that add or remove barriers to returning citizens.

Ballots for the August 2, 2022 Michigan Primary will be available by June 23, 2022.

Ballots for the November 8, 2022 General Election will be available by September 29, 2022.

To learn what is on your ballot, including information from the League of Women voters about candidates positions, click the button below.

(Or do we put the vote411 tool here?)

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“The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.” — John Lewis

quotes from our community about why they vote

(not sure we are allowed to use the John Lewis quote….need to confirm if we want to keep it)

Decisions made at the ballot box, by those who choose to vote, impacts each of us and our communities.

Local Elected Officials

• Prosecutors make charging decisions.
• Judges make sentencing decisions.
• Local Leaders
  • Appoint Police Chiefs
  • Set policy related to local Criminal Legal System, Housing, Physical and Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Employment.
  • Approve and manage city and township budgets

State Elected Officials

• Michigan Representatives and Senators Propose propose and vote on state law.

A list of bills related to criminal justice that have been proposed during this session are below.

• End Truth in Sentencing / Restore Good Time? Senate Bills 649, 650, 651, and 652
• End Prison Gerrymandering Senate Bill 151 and House Bill 4276
• End Juvenile Life without Parole Sentences Senate Bills 848-851
• Oversight Committee for Huron Valley Corrections (Women’s Prison) Senate Bill 487
• Prison voting HB5336

The Secretary of State…..

The State Attorney General….

The Governer…..

US Representatives and Senators • propose and vote on federal law • help secure federal resources for our state

Proposals…. Referendums…. Constitutional Amendments…

Are you ready to exercise your power and vote?

Click the button here to see if you are already registered

Click the button below if you need to register to vote, or re-register at a new address.

To learn more about about registering to vote, including ways to vote other than online, watch this video from the Michigan Secretary of state.

If you don’t wish to vote in person on Election day, request an absentee ballot mailed to you:

For help getting a Michigan ID (including transportation and fees):