Why Voter Education Matters
Our elected officials make decisions affecting our daily lives. Precisely because of this, elections are our chance to stand up for what matters most to us and voice our opinion on issues that affect us, our communities, our families, and our future.
What We Do
We provide straightforward, nonpartisan information about candidates and ballot issues by hosting debates and educational forums. We host forums for candidates to participate in public debates. With Covid, however, we have been holding virtual forums and offering videoclips of candidates running for office in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. Be sure to check out our Virtual Events for upcoming forums as well as our recordings of past events.
Election Security
From the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC): The security of voting systems is essential to a trustworthy election. Every state and local jurisdiction utilizes common-sense procedures and tools to safeguard the voting process. Common best practices include using locks, tamper-evident seals, security cameras, system testing before and after elections, audits, and physical and cybersecurity access controls.
The EAC guide outlines some of the many best practices local election officials follow to secure voting systems through an election cycle. It’s important to note this is a broad list of common security measures and procedures to protect the integrity of an election. The types of security measures may vary based on the voting systems in use in state and local jurisdictions.
Following are sources and links further explaining election security practices:
● The MI Vote Counts webinar breaks down Michigan’s election security procedures, including what happens to ballots after polls close, the canvassing and certification process, election audits and election records security.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RECORDING OF THIS EVENT
The following are handouts relevant to this session:
● Read this Detroit Free Press op-ed piece (October 18, 2022) from a metro area city clerk ⏤ Opinion: I’m a clerk. This is what you should know about election security.
● MI Vote Counts hosted a webinar (September 20, 2022) on Absentee Voting Security, breaking down the security practices of Michigan’s elections and absentee voting, including how ballots are returned by mail or drop box, the signature verification process, and how we make sure nobody can vote twice.
Watch the recording HERE.
Included below are session handouts:
Absentee Voting Dos and Don’ts Flyer
● Three Detroit-area election clerks discuss Michigan Election laws and safety measures local clerks take to make sure your ballot and vote are safe and secure before election day. Learn about registering to vote, different methods of voting in Michigan, and where to go for information:
1. Adam Wit, Harrison Township Clerk ⏤ https://youtu.be/7WW-Zb9oqqk
2. Kim Meltzer, Clinton Township Clerk ⏤ https://youtu.be/1fjsrozEg_0
3. Melanie Ryska, Sterling Heights Clerk ⏤ https://youtu.be/CsWmKkZT2FY
The 2022 MI Petition Drives Tracker: What to know about election proposals
Bridge Michigan has compiled a primer of ballot proposals explaining what they would change, where they stand in the process, major funders, and arguments surrounding them. Bridge will be continuously updating this post throughout the 2022 election season. Click here to read and/or listen to their related article.
VOTE411.org
The League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) launched VOTE411 in October 2006 as a “one-stop-shop” providing nonpartisan information on the election process:
- Absentee ballot information
- Ballot measure information (where applicable)
- Early voting options (where applicable)
- Election dates
- Factual data on candidates in various federal, state, and local races
- General information (e.g., how to watch debates with a critical eye)
- ID requirements
- Polling place locations*
- Registration deadlines
- Voter qualifications
- Voter registration forms
- Voting machines
*The polling place locator is the most sought-after information leading up to and on Election Day.
VERIFYIT! Online Game
VERIFYIT! is a free online educational game offering practice in examining news articles, current questions about voting, and facts about our government. Explore VerifyIt! at https://verifyit.buzz
Misunderstanding voting rules and online misinformation/disinformation makes it particularly difficult for young and first-time voters. The League’s inability to speak with them and interact directly during the pandemic has created a real challenge for our youth outreach programs.
The League of Women Voters of Alameda has addressed this challenge with the development of an online game to meet young voters in their online learning environment.
LWV of Alameda is making this game available to sister leagues to support League efforts to educate and motivate young people to participate in their democracy.
Explore VerifyIt! at https://verifyit.buzz