Greetings Michigan Democrats!

As we embrace the vibrant colors of June, we celebrate Pride Month and the remarkable strides Michigan Democrats have made to expand equal rights for all. By recognizing and supporting the LGBTQ+ community, we foster a society where everyone can live authentically and without fear. Our Democratic majority in the State Legislature has led the way by example, making history by passing legislation to include LGBTQ+ residents into the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA).

The new legislation expands the language of the ELCRA’s protected categories to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as prohibited categories for discrimination. Democrats are delivering in our State Legislature, and I stand proud alongside our LGBTQ+ community and affirm our party’s unwavering support for equality for all. Celebrate Pride Month with the Michigan Democratic Party and the LGBTQ&A Caucus in Detroit's Motor City Pride Parade.

Show solidarity and support for the LGBTQ+ community, sending a powerful message that discrimination and prejudice have no place in our society. By participating, we become visible allies, helping to create a safe and inclusive space for individuals to express their identities. Please click here for more information about this year’s Detroit Motor City Pride Parade.

In May, we successfully held our  2023 Legacy Dinner: Democrats Deliver honoring the legacy of Senator Debbie Stabenow in Detroit. Michigan Democrats from across the state came together to celebrate Senator Stabenow, our party’s collective achievements, and to support our vision going forward. If you were unable to attend, you can hear some of the event highlights on our podcast: Party on the Peninsulas with MDP Chair Lavora Barnes.

Finally, this month reminds us of the milestones achieved but also highlights the work that remains to ensure equality for all. Democrats are working on behalf of Michiganders to make our communities more inclusive and dismantling barriers that continue to exist. Please get involved and support our party’s efforts to organize in your community and in other communities across the state.

In solidarity,

Lavora Barnes

Dear Michigan Democrats,

It makes me so proud and happy to let you all know that our Chair, Lavora Barnes, has won the Powerful Idea award for State Party Leader and our Project 83 team, the year-round organizing program of the MDP has won the Powerful Idea award for Most Powerful Program. These are prominent national level awards in the political world. 

As the Executive Director of the MDP I get asked almost daily by people from all over the country, what can we do to be like Michigan, what is your secret to being such an amazing bright light for Democrats. And I share with them the vision of our Chair, about Project 83, our super strong Voter Protection team, our commitment to providing structure and tools to our local units all over the state and what we do to keep the organizing energy growing all 12 months of every year.

What I don't tell them, which is the truth of the matter, is that we are led by Lavora Barnes, a brilliant political mind and easily one of the top political strategists in the country. Lavora will find a way to win. She knows what to do, when to do it, and probably most critically she knows what not to do and when to keep quiet.

The other thing I don't tell them is they can't have our Jeff, Bobby, Kody, Mona, Jaime, Cory, J Eddie, Milton, Vaughn or Sarah because they are ours. Our Project 83 team are the best organizers in the country hands down. They operate on some of the toughest ground in the country and have executed and grown this program designed by our Chair, into a philosophy and strategy worthy of national recognition.

I am so proud to work alongside these talented and dedicated professionals.  I am actually not even exaggerating when I say, Michigan is a safer and better place for you and your family, and is a place you can be proud of, because of the amazing and important work of our Chair and our Project 83 team.

If you are reading this, then you are one of the people that deserves some of the credit for the successes we have had the last few cycles. You are also the person we are counting on to stay involved to make sure we continue to have success in the next cycle. Thank you for your support and thank you for doing your part.  

In solidarity,

Christy

Summer is the best time to network with friends, family, neighbors, or anyone you see at the lake or summer barbecue. Now is the time for you to start talking with your like-minded network about candidate recruiting.

The 2024 elections will start sooner than you realize, and the time to recruit great candidates for office is now. We need candidates in literally EVERY part of the state. Next year most Township offices are on the ballot, and we are looking to build up rural communities by electing more Democrats to local offices at the Township level. Every County Commission seat is up, and whoever is elected in 2024 will double the length of their terms in office. Think about the ramifications of having a very bad County Commissioner... you might be stuck with them for four years.

The best way to prevent the wrong person from holding office is to recruit and support a great candidate for office. Recruiting starts with you... now. Start those conversations, brainstorm with friends to identify the best candidates for an office, and partner with your Project 83 Organizer to help get those candidates filed and trained to run.

June is pride month and we've got the goods! Check out our tee shirts and new stickers and totes. Love is love!

https://store.michigandems.com/search.php?search_query=pride

Join the Voter Protection Team for our next VoPro On the Go on 6/20/2023 at 7 pm in Ottawa County (or via Zoom). Sign up here to receive full details. If you are interested in voter protection, voting rights, and defending democracy, this informal event is for you! We'll give a brief update on the latest voter protection news from around the state and then turn the mic over to you. We want to hear what you're working on (or are interested in working on), what you're concerned about, and what's working well in your area. Come to share or listen; all are welcome! 

Also, some communities have an August 8th Primary, so voting is just around the corner! If your community has a primary election this year, AV ballots will be available beginning June 29th. But you can contact your local clerk now to request an AV ballot be mailed to you. Find your local clerk here. 

Are you interested in volunteering with the Voter Protection Team for the August 8th Primary or the November 7th General Election? Let us know by filling out this form. We'll reach out to follow up and connect you with volunteer opportunities that are relevant to your interests. Certain roles begin later this month, so don't wait to jump in -- sign up today!

Questions, concerns, or need to report a voting-related issue? Call our Voter Assistance Hotline at 833-MI-VOTES (833-648-6837).