FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: press@votesafe.us
MICHIGAN (Friday, May 29, 2020)– Last week, a coalition of bipartisan leaders called for safe and secure elections in an open letter. Today, Michigan answered the call with the launch of VoteSafe Michigan, a cross-partisan coalition to ensure that all Michigan voters have safe voting options in the August and November elections. The coalition is led by former Republican Congressman and physician Joe Schwarz and Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
“This is a time of great uncertainty in many ways, but voters should have confidence in the knowledge that voting from home is a safe, secure way to ensure their voice will be heard in this year’s elections,” said Secretary Benson. “No matter the public health scenario in November, voters will have a right to vote by mail as a trusted, safe, and secure option to participate in our elections.”
“Many expect a historic turnout in the coming elections and amid a pandemic, Michigan residents shouldn’t be forced to jeopardize their health to vote,” said Schwarz. “Whether people are elderly, at greater risk to COVID-19, or are simply fearful of being sick, they should be able to exercise their right to vote with the peace of mind that the voting process is safe and won’t pose a health risk.”
The initiative is under the umbrella of VoteSafe, a national effort chaired by former Secretary of Homeland Security and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge (R) and former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm (D). VoteSafe is committed to the following principles:
- All states and US territories should ensure voters have accessible, secure mail-in ballots and safe, in-person voting sites.
- Congress should ensure that states have the resources they need to protect their voters and elections.
Ridge’s op-ed supporting the VoteSafe initiative was published in the New York Daily News today.
For more information, go to VoteSafe.US.
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VoteSafe is a cross-partisan coalition of elections administrators and organizations ensuring that every American has the right to vote safely and securely.