Educate, Advocate, Impact
The League works to strengthen our democracy and our communities.
We are a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The LWV influences public policy through education and advocacy.
May 16th at 7pm via ZOOM
Because the vote was SO CLOSE, we decided to have a 2nd book read section this year! THE FIGHT TO SAVE THE TOWN chronicles four US cities in a sweeping and eye-opening study of wealth inequality and the dismantling of local government. Urban law expert and author Michelle Wilde Anderson offers unsparing, humanistic portraits of the hardships left behind in four such places. Anderson travels to four blue-collar communities with deep poverty and gutted public services, and yet are progressing - one of them is Detroit. In focusing on Americans who have committed heart and soul to their communities, Anderson weaves an ultimately hopeful story and delivers a blueprint for reform. This book will definitely leave us inspired!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 16th at 7pm on Zoom.
Another Great Holiday Party
A good time was had by all at our annual holiday party. Thank you to the Crooked Tree Arts Center and our Membership Committee for hosting such a fun event.
Missed Our Last Public Forum? Watch it now on YouTube
Nearly one in five U.S. adults has a mental illness.
Where do people in Northern Michigan go for assistance with mental and behavioral health needs?
Police officers often encounter individuals affected by mental illness and/or related substance abuse issues; what are their options for managing the situation?
Watch our recent public forum on Mental Health Issues and Services in Northern Michigan. Panelists includeTim Cook, Cheboygan County Sheriff; Amy Christie, Chief Clinical Officer of North Country Community Mental Health; Matt Leirstein, Emmet County Undersheriff;and Dr. Mathew McKenna, Medical Director of the McLaren Northern Behavioral Health Unit.
ACTION ALERT: National Popular Vote
The League of Women Voters of MI is asking you to contact your state Representative and Senator to urge them to vote Yes on House Bill 4156/Senate Bill 126 to enact National Popular Vote in Michigan.
Enacting the National Popular Vote ensures the candidate with the most votes nationwide is elected President and helps ensure every vote is equal.
Please contact your elected officials now and tell them to vote Yes on HB 4156/SB 126 to enact National Popular Vote bill in Michigan.
Urge Legislators to Prioritize Regulating Dark Money
Sign this petition to urge your representatives to take action to stop political corruption, protect the integrity of our elections, and require disclosure by all participants in Michigan’s elections.
Annual Member Meeting 2023
It was a beautiful evening at Walloon Lake Winery. We had a great turnout, a lot of fun and even did a little business. Thank you Tina DeMoore for your inspiring message about working across political lines to work together.
Michigan State Conference
6 members of the board (7 members total) attended the LWVMI state conference in Lansing. It was an enlightening and inspiring event. Belle Ringer recognitions went out to Robin Jordan , Dibby Smith , Marcia Meyer, Susan Hannah and Jessica Shaw-Nolff.
Arbor Day Celebration 2023
We couldn’t have had a nicer day to celebrate Arbor day with our first collaboration with the City of Petoskey.
Thank you for all the volunteers, Timberwolf Tree Services, Eric Hemenway, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey Area Garden Club and our own LWVNLM members!
Holiday Member & Friends Party 2022
Good times were had by all at our Annual Holiday Member and Friends event! It was wonderful to connect in person, greet old and new friends and to learn about what our League is doing.
Thank you to the members who planned and coordinated such a fun evening.
WRC Tribute award winners, Pat Fralick, Robin Jordan, and Scott Smith
Congratulations LWVNLM Tribute Award Winners
November 10th, the Women’s Resource Center awarded three of our members for their work in the community.
Pat Fralick received the Pinnacle Award for her work advocating for vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women and infants. While working for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, she directed countless programs that have supported area women, children, and families.
Robin Jordan received the Pinnacle Award for applying her skills and knowledge as a Certified Nurse Midwife to start the first nurse-midwifery service in Northern Michigan. She has been a nursing educator and textbook author before becoming a founding member of our local League of Women Voters.
Scott Smith received the Man of Action award. Scott had dedicated himself to the issues of local food access, public transportation, and affordable housing. He is working with other area organizations to affect the lives of area women and families.
Congratulations Pat, Robin, and Scott!
Our League’s quarterly newsletter.
Your Voter Toolbox
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Are you a U.S. Citizen?
Have you been a resident of a city or township in Michigan for at least 30 days (as of Election Day)?
Are you at least 17 1/2 years old AND will be 18 years old by Election Day?
Are you NOT currently serving a sentence in jail or prison?
If you answered "Yes" to these questions, then you can vote!
What if you are homeless?
You can still register to vote. Use a street corner, park, shelter, or other place where you usually stay as your address.
Learn more about your rights as a voter: Voting Rights in Michigan
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You can register to vote online, at any Secretary of State Branch Office, or at your local city, township or county clerk's office.
To register online, go to:
Michigan Voter Information Center - register online
The deadline for registering online is 15 days before the election.
To find your local clerk's office, go to:
You can register at the clerk's office up until 8pm on Election Day at the clerk's office. They are also open some weekends before the election. Check with your local clerk for dates and hours.
To find a Michigan Secretary of State Branch Office, go to:
Michigan Secretary of State Branch Office Locator
What will you need to register to vote?
You will need proof that you are eligible to vote. (Proof of Michigan residency, U.S. citizenship, your birthdate, and that you are not serving a sentence in jail or prison).
You will also need proof of where you live. (Driver's license or Michigan ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government document.)
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You can vote before Election Day using an Absentee Ballot. All registered voters in Michigan are now able to vote using an absentee ballot - you don't need a reason or excuse.
To request an absentee ballot online go to:
Apply for an Absentee Ballot Online
You can also go to your local clerk's office to request an absentee ballot. Find your local clerk's office:
Be sure to return your absentee ballot to your local clerk's office no later than 8PM on Election Day. You can mail it to your clerk's office OR drop it off in the drop box at the clerk's office. BE SURE that you return your ballot to YOUR CLERK'S office.
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Do you know where to vote on Election Day? It will depend on where you live.
The polls are open from 7am until 8pm on Election Day. If you are in line at 8pm, you have the right to vote.
You can see a sample of your ballot before you vote, so that you are prepared.
To find the ballot that you will be voting on, go here: Find a sample of your ballot
What if you need help?
You have the right to assistance from election officials. For example, you can ask for instructions on how to use the voting equipment.
Do you need a photo ID to vote?
You will be asked for a photo ID when you go to vote. If you do not have a photo ID or do not have it with you, you can sign a form and then vote.
Examples of photo ID (a document with your name and picture) include:
A driver's license from any state, high school or college ID, passport, military or government issued ID, Tribal ID card. Electronic or paper copies will work.
What if you make a mistake on your ballot or the voting machine doesn't work correctly?
Ask for a new ballot right away. You have a right to a new ballot if you catch the mistake before your ballot is inserted into the tabulating machine and counted. If the scanner rejects your ballot, ask for a new one. You have the right to start over.
What if someone tries to harass or intimidate you or challenges your right to vote?
Tell a poll worker immediately. If the poll worker is the problem, contact your local clerk.
If you are still having a problem, call a nonpartisan hotline for help.
Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-687-8683
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Michigan's elections have been safe and secure.
Local clerks and election workers have worked tirelessly to assure the security and accuracy of our elections.
Ottawa County's clerk, Justin Roebuck, has provided a detailed explanation of how your vote is secured before, during and after election day.: Securing your Vote
Here are some of the steps that the state of Michigan has taken: Election Security in Michigan
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Do you have other questions? Here are some resources to help:
Ask our members of Congress to sign-on in support of the resolution to affirm the validity of the ERA and remove the time limit.
