With the House and Senate convening at the same time for multiple days in September, Common Cause Michigan is urging legislators to focus on a handful of democracy and transparency bills.

The group is calling for immediate passage of the following bills:

– Michigan Voting Rights Act (SB 401-404), which would enact state level protections for voters of color as the federal Voting Rights Act has been eroded. It is currently on the Senate floor awaiting action. The Senate should pass it before Sept. 17 to allow for the House to take it up ASAP. 

– National Popular Vote (HB 4156/4440), which would allow all voters to feel heard by making sure Michigan’s electoral college votes are awarded to the winner with the most individual voters nationally. This is currently on the House floor awaiting action. The House should pass it so the Senate can pass it ASAP.

– BRITE Act transparency bills (HB 5583-5586), which would end the lawmaker to lobbyist pipeline, tightening disclosure and lobbying laws, as well as other reforms.

“It is never too late to enact important democracy reforms, and we should never feel like the work can be put off for another year. While Michigan has seen progress on some reforms, it is due to the overwhelming demands of the people that progress has occurred. The people still demand important transparency and voting rights reforms, and legislators need to prioritize these reforms rather than continuing to delay them,” said Quentin Turner, Common Cause Michigan Executive Director.
Common Cause Michigan is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.