News & Commentary

In 2016, I made a decision to put my money where my mouth is. I saw my online community making posts spreading misinformation – and others asking what they could do, how they could get involved to protect our democracy from behind their keyboards. I knew I had to show my kids that I could do more th

As someone who has dealt with a significant physical disability my entire life, I don’t like asking for help, even though I sometimes need it. Whether I’m using my cane to knock down a can from a grocery store shelf beyond my reach or going to a polling place to cast my vote, I want to do things for

How you can help remove barriers to the ballot box

Michigan lawmakers are fulfilling the promise of democracy by passing laws needed to expand access to the ballot box and guarantee elections remain fair. Now, it is up to the rest of us to help move that mandate forward by learning how to engage with local election officials to support city and coun

The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan (ACLU) commends Oakland County voters for embracing the ACLU’s Smart Justice campaign goals, which include ending mass incarceration and advancing racial justice in the criminal legal system.  Karen McDonald defeated Republican candidate Lin Goetz.  

With all the attention being placed on the presidential election and other high-profile races under way, there is an important civil liberties issue on the ballot that should not be overlooked. I’m talking about Proposal 2, which seeks to amend the Michigan Constitution to require that law enforcement agencies obtain a search warrant to access a person's electronic data and electronic communications. 

Making your voice heard at the ballot box matters. For a transgender person, voting can be intimidating and sometimes humiliating because poll workers often don't understand what it means to be transgender, and what the law says. The good news is that during this election season, transgender people, like other voters, have options available that allow them to vote several ways. The important thing is that you know what those options are, and what rights you have. 

When the ACLU of Michigan People Power Tour packs its virtual bags and rolls into Berrien County for an online event this Tuesday, voting rights and reforming the criminal legal system are expected to be high on the list of issues discussed in this Lake Michigan shoreline community. 

If, like me, you’ve been reading about the Trump Administration’s troubling attacks on the U.S. Postal Service and are concerned the cuts may be an attempt to suppress voting, I have good news for Michigan voters: You have options that will ensure your vote will be counted in this crucial election.