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Michigan Department of Health and Human Services increases awareness on voter registration locations Adult assistance applicants can register to vote at a local MDHHS office
September 16, 2010
Sept. 16, 2010
KALAMAZOO - With the Oct. 4 deadline to register to vote in the November election just weeks away, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Ismael Ahmed and partners today reminded residents that MDHHS offices are federally mandated voter-registration sites.
"Access to voting did not come without great cost or tremendous efforts from leaders of our past like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or César Chavez," Ahmed said. "And, once again, it is time for us to exercise our voice.
"I believe every Michigan voice deserves to be heard because one vote can - and does - make a difference."
As a federally mandated voter-registration agency, MDHHS is required to offer voter registration to adult assistance applicants seeking assistance, redetermination and a change of address.
For example, MDHHS workers help clients fill out voter registration forms, if they request, and then forward the completed forms to the appropriate local clerk.
Additionally, select MDHHS offices statewide, including the Kalamazoo office, have computer stations that people can use to access the voter registration application, print it, fill it out and leave the completed application at the same office for submission. The computer stations can also be used to apply for food or emergency energy assistance online at www.michigan.gov/mibridges.
While MDHHS does not stop registering voters beyond the Oct. 4 deadline, if the appropriate clerk's office doesn't receive the application form in time, that person will not be able to vote in the November election.
MDHHS rolled out a large civic engagement effort in 2008 to ensure compliance with the National Voter Registration Act. As a result of those efforts - marketing, training and statewide voter fairs - the MDHHS registered 27,266 new Michigan voters. Of those, 739 new voters were registered in Kalamazoo County.
"Your vote is your voice. If you want your voice to be heard, you need to spend time in the voting booth," said Scott Borling, Kalamazoo city clerk. "Registering to vote is the first step in the process and only takes a few minutes. I encourage you to register to vote and to use your voice on election day."
The department's successful efforts to increase access to voter registration made it a national model in 2008, garnering national media attention and recognition at a conference of voter rights organizations in New York City.
"Voting is an opportunity to ensure candidates and elected officials address the issues that are important to you and the community," said Kay Perry, co-president of the League of Women Voters of the Kalamazoo Area. "It's important that all residents participate in the voting process."
For more information about MDHHS or a list of our local offices, please visit www.michigan.gov/mdhhs. Follow MDHHS on Twitter @MichiganDHS or become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/MichiganDHS.