The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for June 22, 2026
The Michigan Senate advanced the four bills comprising the Michigan Voting Rights Act June 16th, the second time in three years the bill has been before the legislature. But, it may face a difficult road in the GOP-led House.
An earlier version of the bill passed the Senate in 2024, but died in the House, never having reached the floor. Since then, the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority made most of the federal Voting Rights Act unenforceable with its April Callais decision and previous opinions.
June 16th the Michigan Senate passed SB 961, which gives all voters the equal right to register and vote, and commits the state to make voting more accessible. SB 962 creates a comprehensive database of election rules, voting districts and voter records; SB 963 makes voting information available in alternative languages; and SB 964 updates rules for communicating election changes.
The Senate passed the package along party lines 20 to 17, according to the Michigan Advance. In the House, however, the GOP holds a 58 to 52 advantage, and it’s unclear whether four Republicans will support voting rights protections before the outcome of the midterm.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in a statement, “We must make America’s promise of freedom and equality for all a reality for all Michiganders.”
We’ve linked to the Michigan Voting Rights Act bills at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Michigan Legislature – Text of Michigan Voting Rights Act – SB 961
Michigan Legislature – Text of Michigan Voting Rights Act – SB 962
Michigan Legislature – Text of Michigan Voting Rights Act – SB 963
Michigan Legislature – Text of Michigan Voting Rights Act – SB 964
The Michigan Advance – Michigan Senate passes state Voting Rights Act as federal act loses teeth
Michigan Sec. of State – Secretary Benson issues statement on Senate passage of Michigan Voting Rights Act
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – (2024) The SCOTUS Majority is Bent on Dismantling the Voting Rights Act. Lacking Federal Protection, Pro-Democracy States are Enacting State VRAs
Groups Taking Action:
ACLU MI, Legal Defense Fund, League of Women Voters MI
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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