Engaging democracy involves three essential actions:
- educating voters on the changes in Michigan Election laws and providing nonpartisan candidate and issue information;
- registering new voters; and
- getting voters to the polls in the August primary and the November general elections.
This is how we Make Democracy Work.
At our February Program Planning meeting, we formed three brainstorming groups: Voter Education, Voter Registration, and Get Out The Vote (GOTV).
Two weeks later, LWVGP members met to discuss details and plan our efforts for all three aspects. The group has met twice more to turn these ideas into actions.
Keeping it all organized
The master calendar committee looks for community events where LWVGP volunteers can register voters, provide information about early voting, and encourage residents to participate in our democracy. Our master calendar is posted on our website on the Upcoming Membership Events page. It’s the easiest way to find volunteer opportunities when you have an hour or two to make democracy work. If you have an event to add please send a quick email with EVENT in the subject line and a brief description of it to lwvgrossepointe@gmail.com
Four voter registration drives at area high schools.
Thus far, LWVGP volunteers registered or pre-registered more than 200 new voters. That number will increase by the end of the school year.
- University Liggett School – 38 students registered, 43 pre-
registered - Harper Woods High School – 150 students attended
- Grosse Pointe North High School – May 1, 2024
- Grosse Pointe South High School – May 13, 2024
Voter education
LWVGP volunteers designed a palm-sized card which lists dates for early voting, the August primary, and the November General elections. It includes a QR code which links to Michigan’s voter registration and information web page. The pledge card for new voters has their name and contact information. Both cards were designed, proofread, and printed in time for the first high school voter registration drive at University Liggett School.
LWVGP will have these cards at all our events during this crucial election year. LWVGP will rely on the pledge card information to follow up with these newly registered voters.
Low turnout neighborhoods and voters
LWVGP plans to contact low turnout voters. Details for this education and GOTV effort are in the planning stage.
Poster contest with the theme “Vote.”
At the April 29th meeting, a proposal to involve high school students through local art, social studies, and history teachers was presented and accepted. Committee members are working to turn this proposal into action.
Join us
It’s much more than a committee! Our goal is to engage every voter in our six communities and get them to the polls in this election year. LWVGP members participate when and how they can. Join us. Every member has talents and skills which will engage democracy. Email LWVgrossepointe@gmail.com with Advocacy in the subject line to connect.