Democracy Drumbeat: August 30, 2022

Democracy Updates

Wrapping Up DVC Wave One

Our Direct Voter Contact (DVC) program, 313/616 Votes, wrapped up a nine week wave on August 5, our first DVC wave of 2022! Our canvassers made 452,665 attempts to voters and had 36,084 conversations, for an 8% contact rate. Our team also had 300-plus interactions with community members at four farmers markets in Detroit and one in Battle Creek, and we aired 30-second radio ads in the Detroit and Grand Rapids markets.

We can measure the impact of our program not just in numbers, but in stories as well. Here are a few caller stories from our canvassers:

“This is the second time Carmalita has exercised her option to vote using her absentee ballot. She appreciates the convenience of voting by mail because it aligns with her and her family's hectic schedule. She also noted that she has total confidence and security in the process of voting from home.”

“I had the opportunity to speak to Taylor who was reluctant to vote in this year's elections. I asked why she had uncertainty. She told me there were candidates within her party she did not want to vote for. I informed her that she is more than welcome to leave that section of the ballot blank and just vote for those she supports. I was able to direct her to her correct polling location and I provided her with the mi.gov/vote website if she ever needed to reference it. She was very eager to sign up for the emails with Michigan LCV. This was easily the best conversation I've had thus far, and she said because of my call she would get out and vote!”

Goodbye for Now for Grow Detroit’s Young Talent

After a fantastic summer program, our five Grow Detroit’s Young Talent interns wrapped up their time with us on August 19! During their six weeks with the DFA team, they expanded their knowledge of voting rights, worked on projects to share this knowledge with their peers, helped with the Democracy Drumbeat, and more! 

A big thank you to our 2022 summer interns, it was fantastic working with you! We look forward to another successful program in 2023!

Democracy Actions You Can Take

Apply for your absentee ballot for the November 8th General Election: 

• Voters with a current Michigan driver's license or state ID can complete their application online at michigan.gov/vote. 

• Alternatively, voters can print and submit an application for an absentee ballot from michigan.gov/vote or they can call their city or township clerk and ask that an application be mailed to them. 

• Voters may also use any application for an absentee ballot provided to them by the Secretary of State, their clerk, a political party, or another organization.

Democracy All-Stars: Maya Farr

Our “Democracy All-Stars” spotlight features champions working on the frontlines to protect our freedom to vote, engage voters and ensure our democracy works for everyone.

This week’s Democracy All-Star is Maya Farr!

Maya is a sophomore at Western Michigan University. She is majoring in Psychology with an undecided minor. She was super excited to work with the Grow Detroit’s Young Talent summer program where she was able to gain more connections and learn more about the importance of voting.

What compelled you to get involved in voting rights/systems change/democracy work

I wanted to learn more about voting rights and I wanted to find more ways to be involved with my community. I also wanted to connect with other individuals who are interested in voting rights.

What democracy issues do you think are most important in your community?

I think that people aren't getting the rights that they need and I think that should change. For example, I believe that women should have a choice on whether to get an an abortion or not. Another issue in my community is equal education rights for students. My overall goal is to be known for changing the world and taking advantage of opportunities that will help me speak out and solve the issues in my community.

What is one of your proudest moments while working in the democracy space?

I liked that I was able to call people and educate them about voting. I was also able to help people get registered to vote. When I called people I felt that I was a big help and that I was able to have a leadership role.

Thank you, Maya, for your hard work and dedication to our democracy!

Do you know someone in your community who is a Democracy All-Star? The Democracy For All team is looking for more Democracy All-Stars, and would love to highlight them and their work fighting for democracy for all. You can send a submission for a Democracy All-Star in your community to [email protected].

Election Season in Michigan - Key Dates

With election season underway, here are a few important dates to keep in mind as elections approach and folks begin making their plans to vote over the next several months:

• August 25, 2022: Applications available for absentee ballots

• September 24, 2022: Clerks electronically transmit or mail (as requested) an absent voter ballot to uniformed services or overseas voters who applied for an absent voter ballot 45 days or more before the election

• September 29, 2022: In-Person Absentee Voting Begins - Absent voter ballots must be available for issuance to voters

• October 7, 2022: Deadline for clerks to set satellite polling locations, dates, and times

• October 24, 2022: Last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk for the November general election

• November 8, 2022: Statewide general election

Ahead of the November general election, it is important to be aware of all of the voting options available to you and to make a plan about how you are going to vote. Whether it be absentee ballots, voting in-person ahead of Election Day, or casting your ballot at a satellite polling location or secure drop box in your community, Michigan voters have an array of accessible voting options to choose from. Once you make your voting plan, help your friends and family make their own plans! Our democracy functions best when everyone can make their voices heard.

Submit a question for the Democracy For All team!

Do you have questions for us? We want to hear from you!

If you have questions about the Democracy For All team’s work or topics covered in the Democracy Drumbeat, you can submit your question using this form.

We will review your questions and pick one to answer in the next issue of the Democracy Drumbeat!

Thanks for reading and have a great week!