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House Speaker Mike Johnson tries to push Trump's 'big' agenda forward, but GOP votes are in jeopardy; NV program to bridge insurance gaps for Native Americans needs more 'buy-in,' More AR families rely on Child Tax Credit, OR consumers face more financial risks with CFPB closure.

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Federal employee performance reviews face a confusing moment, Congress debates voting rights, consumer advocates push to reinstate the CFPB, Canadian and Mexican import tariffs raise economic concerns, and environmental groups fight offshore drilling.

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The Taos County Sheriff says he won't conduct raids or round ups of immigrants, New Hampshire worries a dearth of charging stations will force tourists driving EVs to pick another vacation destination, and Southern states improve education with workarounds.

Michigan voting rights advocates push for lifting language, other barriers

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Thursday, October 19, 2023   

Michigan lawmakers are set to consider a new Voting Rights Act for the state by next week.

Introduced in June, Senate Bills 401, 402, 403 and 404 aim to counter voter suppression, safeguard voting rights and ensure future access to the ballot.

Paula Bowman, co-president of the Michigan chapter of the League of Women Voters, noted the diminishing influence of the national Voting Rights Act and anticipated strengths in Michigan's voting protections.

"It will expand protections for voters who don't speak English as their primary language," Bowman pointed out. "It will allow them to read the ballot in a language that helps them make the best decision possible in the ballot box."

The state's version of the Voting Rights Act builds upon the 2022 Promote the Vote ballot measure. The combined efforts aim to provide voters with protections, irrespective of their race, physical abilities or language spoken, during the 2024 elections.

Brett Edkins, managing director of policy and political affairs for the group Stand Up America, said there are a lot of extreme politicians in Michigan who have worked hard to overturn elections and throw up barriers to voting.

"Michigan's democracy remains under very real threat," Edkins contended. "But the Michigan Voting Rights Act is an opportunity to protect the freedom to vote of every eligible Michigander for years to come and ensure that Michigan is a national leader on democracy and voting rights."

The proposed Michigan Voting Rights Act is envisioned as the most comprehensive array of protections in Michigan's history, encompassing all voters, including Black, brown, new American and individuals with disabilities. It draws from best practices found in state voting rights acts throughout the country.

Disclosure: The League of Women Voters contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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