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take action now!
Your opinions are important and  the people who represent you care what you think. Elected officials depend on you to keep them informed.  Voicing  your opinion may help determine how your elected officials vote on a given issue, or what kind of policy decisions they may make. 
Redistricting
The Michigan Legislature redraws congressional and state legislative districts every 10 years.  The lines are drawn behind closed doors, without any public involvement.  This allows legislators to draw districts to benefit a particular political party or politician, rather than to represent voters interests. 
  1. Let your Michigan Representative and Senator know that you want them to make redistricting an open and participatory process.

    Possible message:

I am a voter in your district.  As the Legislature prepares to draw new state and congressional legislative districts,  I urge you to call for transparency and public involvement in the redistricting process.  Redistricting will determine how Michigan voters will be represented for the next ten years.  We should be able to see the maps for our community and have the opportunity to comment before they are passed into law.  The process should include more public hearings, access to the maps, and opportunities for the public to provide input.  Will you be a voice for an open redistricting process? 

convenient voting
70% of Michigan voters support passage of early and no reason absentee voting, including a majority of both Democrats and Republicans.  Most other states have successfully implemented these reforms, including our neighboring states.
  1. Let your Michigan Representative and Senator know that you want them to make voting more convenient and accessible.
     
    Possible message: 

I am a voter in your district and I urge you to support no reason absentee and early voting in Michigan.   We need election laws that serve today's busier, more complex world and fit with the lifestyles of today's families.  Michigan voters - regardless of age, political party, gender or income - overwhelmingly support early and no reason absentee voting.  Most other states have given their voters these options to make it more convenient for them to participate.  The early voting and no reason absentee voting options will allow more citizens to participate in our democracy. Can we count on your support? 

fair AND impartial courts
Millions are spent on campaigns for the Michigan Supreme Court but much of the spending is not subject to campaign finance reporting.  The undisclosed spending primarily takes the form of television advertisements that approve or disapprove of specific candidates, under the guise of "issues".  In 2010, 56% of the money spent in these races was hidden from the public.
  1. Urge your Michigan Representative and Senator to support fair and impartial courts by requiring  full disclosure of fund spent for judicial campaigns.   

Possible message: 

I am a voter in your district and I urge you to support legislation that requires full disclosure of campaign spending for judicial campaigns.  Michigan voters and judges are concerned about the role of money and special interests in judicial races.  Voters want to know who is supporting the candidates and be able to evaluate their interests in the campaign.  A growing lack of confidence in government is particularly damaging to our court system, which relies upon public confidence for its legitimacy.  To assure the public that the justice system works for all and is not influenced by special interests, full financial disclosure for judicial elections is necessary.  Will you help keep our judicial system fair and impartial?
resources

Below is a list of resources to aid you in contacting your Michigan Representative and Senator.

  • Click here to find your Michigan representative.

  • Click here to find your Senator.  

  • Click here to access the Michigan Legislature's website which includes information about the status of bills, legislative calendars, resolutions, committee meetings and a detailed legislative action search tool.