Voting is the foundation of our democracy, yet efforts to restrict access to the ballot continue to threaten fair elections in Michigan and across the country. In 2025, Lenawee County residents must be vigilant against voter suppression tactics that could limit participation and weaken our collective voice.

Here’s what you need to know about potential threats to voter access—and what you can do to protect your right to vote.

The Growing Threat to Voting Rights

Across Michigan, legislative efforts and policy changes are making it harder for some residents to vote. These tactics include:

• New Voter ID Requirements: Proposed laws may make it more difficult for residents without a state-issued ID to cast their ballots, disproportionately impacting seniors, low-income individuals, and communities of color.
• Restrictions on Early Voting & Vote by Mail: Some lawmakers seek to limit early voting options and impose stricter regulations on absentee ballots, reducing the flexibility many voters rely on.
• Voter Roll Purges: Aggressive purges of voter rolls may result in eligible voters being removed, often without their knowledge, leading to confusion and lost votes on Election Day.
• Polling Place Closures: Reducing the number of polling locations, particularly in rural and minority communities, can lead to long lines and lower voter turnout.

Here’s one example: The recently proposed SAVE Act would drastically alter voter registration by imposing strict proof-of-citizenship requirements. Under this law, voters would need to present documents like a passport or birth certificate at the polls—an unnecessary burden that could prevent thousands of eligible Americans from casting their ballots.

This policy would disproportionately affect women who changed their names after marriage (nearly 80% of women in opposite-sex marriages, according to the Pew Research Center), transgender people who have legally changed their names, as well as low-income individuals who cannot afford the cost of obtaining these documents.

Congressman Tim Walberg reinforced these concerns in a February town hall when he stated that if someone can’t afford a $200 passport, they shouldn’t be voting—an exclusionary stance that contradicts the fundamental principles of democracy.

How Lenawee Residents Can Protect Their Right to Vote

Despite these challenges, there are concrete steps you can take to ensure that every eligible voter in Lenawee County has the opportunity to make their voice heard.

1. Check Your Voter Registration

Even if you’ve voted in past elections, it’s essential to verify your voter registration status. Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center (mvic.sos.state.mi.us) to confirm your registration, update your address, or re-register if necessary.

2. Help Others Register to Vote

Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to register and check their voting status. Consider volunteering with local outreach organizations (like Lenawee Indivisible!) to help spread awareness and provide registration assistance.

3. Understand Michigan’s Voting Laws

Stay informed about any changes to voting laws in Michigan. Knowing your rights can help prevent last-minute surprises at the polls. Keep an eye on updates from reputable sources like the Michigan Secretary of State’s office and local advocacy groups.

4. Vote Early & Promote Absentee Voting

If vote-by-mail options are available, take advantage of them to avoid potential Election Day obstacles. Help educate others on how to request and submit absentee ballots properly to ensure every vote is counted.

5. Report Voter Suppression

If you or someone you know encounters barriers to voting—such as being turned away at the polls or experiencing long wait times—report it! The Election Protection Hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) can provide assistance, and local organizations can help escalate concerns.

6. Support Pro-Voter Policies

Advocate for policies that expand access to voting, such as automatic voter registration, more polling locations, and stronger protections against voter intimidation. Attend local government meetings, join an Lenawee Indivisible demonstration, and make your voice heard in support of fair elections.

To voice your concerns directly in Michigan’s 5th Congressional District, contact Representative Tim Walberg’s office at (202) 225-6276 (Washington, D.C.) or (517) 780-9075 (Jackson, MI), or visit his website at walberg.house.gov to send an email.

💡 Pro tip: The 5 Calls app makes it really easy to contact your reps!

Stand Together to Defend Our Democracy

Voter suppression thrives when communities are uninformed or feel powerless. By staying proactive, spreading awareness, and standing up for every voter’s right to participate, we can safeguard democracy in Lenawee County and beyond.

Join Lenawee Indivisible in the fight for fair elections—because every vote matters, especially yours!