Senate Democrats in Lansing last week unveiled a package aimed at protecting free and fair elections
The legislation, Senate Bills 961–964, would prevent local governments from passing tactics civil rights groups have said is voter suppression and intimidation. The package would also require language disability assistance. Another provision would establish research and training on election administration.
Democrats, at a press conference with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to outline the plan, mentioned the Supreme Court’s decision to remove key protections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act earlier this month in Louisiana v. Callais. The decision, which was condemned by civil rights groups and voting advocates, allowed the state of Louisiana to redistrict their maps and cancel their 2026 federal election.
Critics say it gives states a free pass to pursue racial discrimination through unfair political districting.
Republican led southern states in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling are acting fast to eliminate majority-Black districts ahead of the November elections, which would give their party an advantage.
In a committee hearing on the bills last week, Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie said the court ruling is “one of the most shameful discriminatory actions taken by the U.S. Supreme Court of the 21st century.”
The decision is the latest in the attempt to allow states to “have an open door to discriminate against Black and Brown voters,” Benson said, noting Michigan, led by a Democratic governor through the end of the year, won’t be eager to redistrict its maps like Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina.
Detroit NAACP President Rev. Wendell Anthony, whose organization had been warning the stripping of the VRA’s Section 2 was coming, also spoke against the ruling.
“The recent decision of the United States Supreme Court to gut the Voting Rights Act of 1965 places a chokehold on the neck of the right to vote,” Anthony said.
The sponsors of the bill say they are putting a priority on passing the package.
“As Washington continues chipping away at fundamental voting protections, it’s up to the states to stand up and ensure our elections remain free, fair, and accessible to all eligible voters,” said Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), lead sponsor of the bill package.
The Michigan Voting Rights Act aims to uphold the integrity of the state’s election process. Bill sponsors said it was developed with input from Benson and other advocacy organizations that focus on expanding voter accessibility in Michigan and across the country, including the Fair Elections Center, NAACP Michigan State Conference, and Brennan Center for Justice.
Detroit state Sen. Stephanie Chang mentioned Supreme Court Justice Kagan’s dissent, which wrote the VRA was one of the most consequential acts of power, born out of the blood of civil rights marchers.
“In Michigan and across the country it is critical now more than ever that state legislatures take action to ensure that voices of voters of color and all voters are heard in our democracy,” Chang said.
At a press conference on Tuesday, May 19, lawmakers acknowledged the House version of the package, which is led by Southfield Rep. Jason Hoskins, likely faces a brick wall in Republican House Speaker Matt Hall. There’s no indication the package has support from any Republican, which is required for it to reach Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk.
However, the bills head to a full vote in the Senate after passing through the Senate Elections and Ethics Committee on Wednesday.
