ACLU-MI Applauds Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for Announcing Plans to Mail Voters Absentee Ballot Applications for May 5 Elections

DETROIT, Mich. – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan applauds Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for announcing plans to mail absentee ballot applications to voters for the May 5 election to ensure both public health and democratic rights are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state will include a cover letter that voting by mail is the optimal way to cast a ballot due to the public health crisis. The state will also assist local jurisdictions in ensuring postage-paid return envelopes are mailed to all who request ballots.

This is ACLU Voting Rights Strategist Sharon Dolente’s reaction:

“We are thrilled that Secretary of State Benson is taking measures to ensure voters have access to the ballot box, while keeping them safe during this public health crisis. We encourage all citizens who are eligible to vote to register early using Michigan’s new online voter registration system or a paper voter registration form. Registered voters are encouraged to vote from home using an absentee ballot. Voting is a sacred right in the United States that we must safeguard and protect even in our most challenging times.”