Guest article: ENDANGERED: right to vote, right to fair and free elections

Voting rights advocates demonstrate at a vigil held near the Portage Lift Bridge in Houghton on Jan. 6, 2022. (Photo © and courtesy Allan Baker)* 

HOUGHTON -- Michigan is facing a deluge of voter suppression and election subversion legislation. Much of it has not become law. However, our state has an unusual system that allows citizens to circulate petitions to bypass the legislative process and the governor. The Secure MI Vote petition would create obstacles for voters and county and township clerks. Why would we want to change our voting system when it did what it was supposed to do: Run a fair and accurate election?

To find out, join a forum to discuss the Secure MI Vote petition circulating now. The forum will be via Zoom at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday, Feb. 16, when County Commissioner Glenn Anderson and County Clerk Jennifer Kelly join local citizens Susanna Peters and Faith Morrison to tell us what would happen should the petition drive be successful! Learn why you should NOT sign the petition whether or not the signature gatherers tell you its real reason. Do you want to restrict your right to vote and force onerous requirements on election officials to do their job?

Voting Rights Advocates Bill Binroth, Beth Flynn, and Horst Schmidt and the Justice Ministry of Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (KUUF) are sponsoring this forum.

ZOOM LINK: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/83714962753

Or Telephone:
US: 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 837 1496 2753
International numbers available: https://michigantech.zoom.us/u/kbva8pJ1q4

* Editor's Note: See excellent coverage of the Jan. 6, 2022, vigil by the Copper Beacon's Joshua Vissers: "Group forms for vigil despite cold Jan. 6 weather."