The Michigan Civil Rights Commission will be holding a meeting and public forum on Monday, October 27, 2008, in the Regional Technology Center-MTEC Auditorium at Mott Community College. The Commission meeting will begin at 4:00 PM, with the public forum starting at 5:00 PM. The Center is located at 1401 East Court Street in Flint.

October is Disability Awareness Month and the forum will focus on related issues with a special emphasis on voting rights and efforts to accommodate voters with disabilities.

"The Michigan Persons With Disabilities Civil Rights Act forbids denying an individual the full and equal enjoyment of the services, facilities, and privileges of a public service because of a disability," said Mike Zelley; a Flint resident, member of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and President and CEO of the Disability Network. "It's important this law is respected on Election Day."

Election officials and voting rights experts from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights are scheduled to speak and take questions from the public. Voting rights and voter protection issues for all citizens will also be discussed.

"This election is expected to draw a high voter turnout and it's our goal to make sure things run smoothly," said Linda V. Parker, Director of MDCR. "We want to make sure Michigan citizens are thoroughly informed about their right to vote."

The public is encouraged to attend.

For more information on the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, visit http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr