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.
Building Bipartisan Support For Climate Action
January 30, 2025 at 7pm, ZOOM
Please join the League of Women Voters of Michigan Environmental Network and the Michigan Citizens’ Climate Lobby for an educational presentation focusing on practical ways to build bipartisanship in partisan times.
Linda Racine, Michigan Co-Coordinator of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, will be our presenter. The program will include a short interactive session to practice the engagement and listening skills we need in order to advance our goals and protect our environment.
Register for our upcoming forum on February 12th to gain valuable insights into Ranked Choice Voting and discover how this innovative voting system can empower your voice and influence in the electoral process.
2025 Book Read
Thursday April 10th, 7:00-8:00 pm, ZOOM link will be sent to all members a few days ahead of time.
Our annual member Book Read selection chosen by members is a timely and urgent read explaining a significant effect of climate change. Mark your calendars! All members are encouraged to read and attend the group discussion
“We are facing a species emergency. We can survive, but to do so will require a planned and deliberate migration of a kind humanity has never before undertaken. This is the biggest human crisis you’ve never heard of.”
Drought-hit regions bleeding those for whom a rural life has become untenable. Coastlines diminishing year on year. Wildfires and hurricanes leaving widening swaths of destruction. The culprit, most of us accept, is climate change, but not enough of us are confronting one of its biggest, and most present, consequences: a total reshaping of the earth’s human geography. As Gaia Vince points out early in Nomad Century , global migration has doubled in the past decade, on track to see literal billions displaced in the coming decades. What exactly is happening, Vince asks? And how will this new great migration reshape us all?
In this deeply-reported clarion call, Vince draws on a career of environmental reporting and over two years of travel to the front lines of climate migration across the globe, to tell us how the changes already in play will transform our food, our cities, our politics, and much more. Her findings are answers we all need, now more than ever. (from goodreads)
If you want to learn more about the book, this short piece from The Guardian will pique your interest!
Buy local! McLean and Eakin has several copies and can also order for you.
Missed Our January Forum?
View it here on our Youtube page!
Demand Equality Now
The 2024 election results were not friendly to women’s equality, and our future status in the country is at stake. While reproductive rights were affirmed in seven states, if the federal government passes restrictive laws, these hard-fought protections will become obsolete. This is just one example of why we need the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) now.
Urge President Biden to instruct the US Archivist to certify and publish the ERA in the Constitution! Equality cannot wait.
View the Michigan Supreme Court forum conducted by LWVMI
This forum was held on September 26th and can be viewed here, on Youtube.
Take Action Now on Community Solar
Encourage our elected officials to pass the Community Solar Legislation
We Have the Best Volunteers
Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, Susan, Hannah, Cheryl True, and all of the wonderful individuals who generously gave their time to help man the table at the Harbor Springs farmer’s market throughout the entire summer season.
Their efforts in sharing essential League information informed the public about Vote411.org and played a crucial role in helping to register new voters.
Additionally, we would like to extend a special thank you to Susan, who generously donated that beautiful banner adorning the top of our canopy!
LWVNLM 5th Annual Meeting
A great time was had at our 5th Annual Meeting. We drank some wine, ate some great food and enjoyed meeting in person. Oh yeah, we got some business done, too.
We said a heartfelt thank you to our out-going President, Robin Jordan while voting in Lisa Blanchard as our new, in-coming President
We recoginized our founding members with 5 year commemoration pins and recognized Susan Hannah for being a member of the LWV for 50 years!
Thank you to our keynote speaker Christina Schlitt from the LWV of Grand Traverse Area for her words of inspiration. Thank you also to Walloon Lake Winery for the beautiful venue.
Missed Our Last Public Forum? Watch it now on YouTube
Why Effective Septic Systems Matter
Did you know that Michigan is the only state without statewide regulations to prevent septic systems frompolluting our waters? Anna McGlashen (Tip of Mitt Watershed Council) and Daniel Thorell (Health Dept. of Northwest Michigan), both experts in septic regulation and the health implications of septic pollution, will provide information on Michigan’s septic situation and current efforts to reduce septic system pollution.
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.
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.
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
-
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
-
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.)
-
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.
-
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
-
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
-
-
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.
