VOTE
As election day (November 5th) approaches, JSL has taken an active role in assisting and educating residents about their rights as voters. Recently, West Bloomfield Clerk Debbie Binder visited Meer and Hechtman Apartments and today she visited Fleischman Residence to update everyone on the voting process and the state of our democracy. Clerk Binder is always thinking of ways she can provide better and/or additional services to enhance participation by JSL residents.
Debbie also represents the League of Women Voters (LWV), a non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting and protecting our democracy at the national, state and local levels. The LWV actively promotes voter participation and advocates against restrictive measures that undermine voting rights. You can learn more about the LWV’s activities at https://lwvmi.org/ LWV has supported the designation of 2024 as the “Year of Democracy.” This initiative aims to encourage broad participation in the electoral system by fostering a national conversation about the values that underpin democracy and by educating voters about issues and events that affect the electoral process.
Suzanne Simon, NCJW leader and past 2024 Eight Over 80 honoree, let me know that a power point, “Courts Matter to Voting Rights” exists which can educate us on the crucial role that courts play in protecting our voting rights. From addressing gerrymandering to interpreting voter ID laws, courts have a significant impact on how, where, and when people can vote. Contact Sara Worsham to request the virtual or in person presentation and materials here: mail@ncjwmi.org
The sad fact is that today some officials, political candidates, and groups within political parties have an interest in suppressing voter participation and turnout. Courts are often the first line of defense against laws and practices designed to make it more difficult for citizens to vote. By evaluating laws that impose unreasonable requirements that create unnecessary barriers to voting or that unfairly target participation by certain groups or communities, courts ensure that all citizens have a fair chance to participate in elections.
In our digital age, courts are increasingly faced with new challenges such as misinformation, cybersecurity threats, and the use of social media and AI in elections. Legal battles over online voter suppression tactics or the spread of false information often end up in court, where judges have to balance free speech rights with the need to protect the integrity of elections.
I recently attended a great program at Temple Emanu-El in Oak Park which featured University of Michigan Law School Prof. Barbara McQuade, who previously served our area as U.S. Attorney. She also is a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC as well as a cohost of the podcast “Sisters in Law.” She spoke about her a recently published book, “Attack from Within,” which I highly recommend. Her book explores how intentional disinformation tactics, such as demonizing certain groups, spreading false narratives, and stoking violence, are being used to manipulate voters and ultimately weaken democracy. Her book offers practical solutions for countering disinformation, including enhancing media literacy and criminalizing harmful practices like doxing. You can order a copy at: Penguin Random House Higher Education
Make your plans to vote. Early voting allows registered voters to obtain and vote a ballot in person at their regular voting site during the nine days before Election Day, beginning on October 26. A photo ID is not required for early voting but if you don’t bring one with you the clerk will have you fill out an affidavit in order for your vote to be counted. Note that some communities allow earlier voting in their local elections. To get more information, visit the Secretary of State’s online Voter Information Center at: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/Index Also, you can apply for an absentee ballot at your local clerk’s office or online at: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication/Index
Shabbat Shalom.
