Protect Ballot Access Ahead of 2026
What’s Happening
The 2024 presidential election made clear that voting rights are still under attack in the United States. While Michigan avoided major disruptions, other states saw renewed pushes for restrictive voter ID laws, limited absentee ballot access, and attempts to reduce early voting windows. These trends are not going away. With Michigan expected to play a central role in the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election, now is the time to demand proactive protections that guarantee access to the ballot for every eligible voter.
Why This Matters in Michigan
Michigan has made major progress on voting access in recent years, including the adoption of no-excuse absentee voting, early in-person voting, and same-day registration. However, barriers remain for voters with disabilities, non-English speakers, working-class voters with inflexible schedules, and residents of rural communities. Without continued investment in accessible voting infrastructure and a strong defense against voter suppression efforts, these communities may be left behind in future elections.
Action Now
This letter urges Michigan’s election officials and legislative leadership to build on existing progress by publicly supporting the following:
Expanded vote-by-mail access and permanent absentee voter lists
Accessible polling places in every county with extended hours and early voting
Multilingual ballots in areas with diverse language needs
Protections against voter ID laws and restrictions on absentee voting
Increased funding for voter education to ensure every eligible voter understands their rights
Resources
Why These Reps?
These individuals and offices hold direct power over how voting access is protected and expanded in Michigan.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson oversees Michigan’s entire election system, including absentee voting, early voting, and voter education. She has the authority to implement reforms and advocate for expanded access at the state level.
The Michigan Board of State Canvassers certifies elections and ballot proposals. They play a key role in ensuring fair processes for voter-led initiatives and election outcomes.
Speaker of the House Joe Tate and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks lead the Michigan Legislature. They control the flow of bills related to voting rights, election procedures, and funding for voter outreach or ballot access programs.
Sending letters to all four ensures your message reaches both the administrative leaders who oversee elections and the legislative leaders who can write and pass new protections.
Send to:
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
Michigan Board of State Canvassers
Speaker of the House Joe Tate
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks
Physical Letter Template:
Your Name
City, Zip Code
Email or Phone
Date
To: Michigan Election Officials and Legislative Leaders
Subject: Strengthen Ballot Access Before 2026
Dear [Recipient Name or Office Title],
I am writing as a concerned Michigan voter asking you to take immediate steps to protect and expand ballot access before the 2026 election.
While Michigan has made meaningful progress in improving voting access, many communities across our state continue to face barriers. Voters with disabilities, non-English speakers, and residents in rural or low-income areas are still at risk of being excluded from full participation in our democracy.
I respectfully urge you to support and advance the following priorities:
• Expanded vote-by-mail access and a permanent absentee voter list
• Fully accessible polling locations in every county with extended hours and early voting
• Multilingual ballot materials in areas with language diversity
• Protections against laws that restrict absentee voting or impose strict ID requirements
• Increased funding for nonpartisan voter education and outreach
Voting should be easy, secure, and accessible for everyone. I am asking you to lead with transparency, equity, and a commitment to protecting the right to vote for all Michiganders.
Thank you for your service and for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Print Name Here]
Email Template:
Subject: Strengthen Ballot Access in Michigan Before 2026
Dear [Recipient Name or Office Title],
My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a voter in [Your City or County], Michigan. I am writing to ask you to take action now to protect and expand ballot access ahead of the 2026 election.
The 2024 election made clear that voting access remains fragile. Many Michiganders, especially disabled voters, non-English speakers, and people living in rural or low-income areas, continue to face real barriers to participating in our democracy.
Michigan has taken important steps forward, but there is still more to be done. I urge you to support and publicly advance the following:
• Expanded vote-by-mail access and permanent absentee voter lists
• Fully accessible polling locations in every county, with extended hours and early voting
• Multilingual ballot materials in areas with language diversity
• Protections against new laws that would restrict absentee voting or require strict voter ID
• Increased funding for voter education so every eligible voter understands their rights
Voting should be easy, secure, and accessible for all. Your leadership is essential in protecting our democracy and making sure every voice in Michigan can be heard.
Thank you for your time and commitment to public service.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City and ZIP Code]
[Optional: Email or Phone]
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
Mailing Address:
The Honorable Jocelyn Benson
Michigan Department of State
430 W. Allegan St.
Lansing, MI 48918
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Website: michigan.gov/sos
Michigan Board of State Canvassers
Mailing Address:
Board of State Canvassers
Bureau of Elections
P.O. Box 20126
Lansing, MI 48901-0726
Phone: (517) 335-3234
Website: michigan.gov/sos/elections
Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D – 10th District)
Mailing Address:
The Honorable Joe Tate
Michigan House of Representatives
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514
Phone: (517) 373-0852
Email Contact Form: housedems.com/joe-tate/contact
Website: housedems.com/joe-tate
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D – 29th District)
Mailing Address:
The Honorable Winnie Brinks
Michigan Senate
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Phone: (517) 373-1801
Email Contact Form: senatedems.com/brinks/contact
Website: senatedems.com/brinks
Not sure who to contact or what to say? Our Raise Your Voice with Impact guide breaks it all down. Learn who does what, when to reach out, and how to make it count.
