We’re pleased to feature this blog co-written by Micheal Davis, Jr., executive director of Promote the Vote and Monique Stanton, president and CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy. A version of this column originally appeared in The Alpena News.
Micheal Davis, Jr.
Monique Stanton
As the leaders of two non-partisan organizations that have a rich history of pro-voter education and advocacy, we fervently believe that our democracy is at its best when all voices are heard. And while we know election season often comes with a lot of strong emotions and, quite frankly, a lot of divisiveness, one thing we can hopefully all agree on is that voting should be safe, accessible and easy for everyone.
Here in Michigan, Promote the Vote and its diverse 13-member coalition, which includes the Michigan League for Public Policy, have been working hard to ensure that Michigan’s voting system works for all Michiganders. We are so proud of what Promote the Vote has been able to accomplish since its work began in 2018, including helping military and overseas voters make their voices heard and making no-reason absentee voting, same-day voter registration and early voting a reality for Michiganders.
With the August 6, 2024 State Primary Election just around the corner, we want to remind Michigan voters of some key things to keep in mind, so that those who have yet to vote are aware of the different options they have for casting their ballots on or before Election Day:
- Early in-person voting: Michigan voters now have the right to cast a ballot early and in person at an early voting site prior to all statewide and federal elections. Early voting must be offered for at least nine consecutive days, which, for this election, began last Saturday, July 27 and will end on Sunday, Aug. 4. Early voting locations must be open for at least eight hours a day. Voters can find their early voting location at https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting/early-in-person-voting.
- No-reason absentee voting: Since Election Day is less than a week away, it is recommended that voters request and drop off absentee ballots in person at their local clerk’s office to avoid postal delays. Absentee ballots can also be dropped off at designated ballot drop boxes in a voter’s community. Absentee ballots must be received by a voter’s local clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
- Voting on Election Day: Voters who plan to vote on Election Day can visit michigan.gov/vote to find their polling location ahead of voting. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and as long as voters are in line by 8 p.m., their polling location must remain open for them to vote.
- Same-day voter registration: Eligible Michigan residents can register and vote in person at their local clerk’s office with proof of residency by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
No matter how voters plan to cast their ballot, being informed is key. In addition to being informed about the candidates on the ballot, the bottom or back of the ballot may include local proposals that will have an impact on a voter’s community, whether that be local funding proposals for schools, libraries, transportation, public safety, infrastructure or other local services. To learn more about what’s on their ballot, voters can visit michigan.gov/vote or view the non-partisan voter guides from the League of Women Voters® of Michigan at https://www.vote411.org/lwvmi.
Voting is an essential part of the policymaking process and that is why the League’s analysts have also, once again, developed a set of questions voters can ask when they talk with their candidates. The questions are based on the League’s issue areas, including things like taxes and revenue, healthcare, addressing poverty, jobs and the economy, immigration, and more.
We also recommend visiting www.michiganvoting.org to find other voting resources, and voters are reminded that they can call 866-OUR-VOTE to speak with trained volunteers regarding any election-related questions before or on Election Day.
As another election approaches here in Michigan, we are feeling invigorated to, once again, be a part of democracy in action, and we encourage voters to be a part of it too by exercising their right to vote in the way that works best for them!
Jay Cutler joined the League in March 2026 as the Kids Count Senior Data Analyst, where he collects, analyzes, and prepares data for Kids Count in Michigan.
Danielle Taylor-Basemore joined the League as the Development Data and Stewardship Coordinator in June 2025. She brings with her five years of nonprofit experience with a special focus on community engagement, data visualization and strategic programming. Prior to joining the League, Danielle served as the Business District, Safety, and Digital Manager at Jefferson East, Inc.
Scott Preston is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Michigan League for Public Policy, where he leads the organization’s immigration and criminal justice reform portfolios. In the three years prior to joining the League, Scott facilitated the Southeast Michigan Refugee Collaborative and managed a small business economic development program at Global Detroit. His work included launching Michigan’s first Refugee Film Festival and building on a trusted connector model that linked marginalized communities with crucial resources. Scott’s work at the League is informed by his background in journalism and research. He spent four years covering the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East for publications such as The Economist, and later worked with unaccompanied refugee minors through Samaritas. Scott holds a master’s degree in international migration and public policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Kate Powers joined the League as the Chief Development Officer in February 2025. Prior to joining the League, Kate held leadership positions at many Michigan nonprofit organizations, most recently serving as the COO and Chief Development Officer of Ele’s Place. Kate has spent the bulk of her career in fundraising, with a short stint in the state Legislature as a legislative aide to members in both chambers. Kate is a graduate of Michigan State University’s James Madison College with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and has a certificate in fundraising management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Additionally, Kate served on the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education and is a past President of the Junior League of Lansing. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and her son and saving outfit of the day and home decor ideas on Pinterest. 
Nicholas Hess joined the League as the Fiscal Policy Analyst in September of 2024. In this role, Nicholas focuses on tax policy, government revenue, and their impact on working families and racial equity, including the effects of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Nicholas values the role that judicious fiscal policy can play in the improvement of people’s lives and the economy, alleviating inequities along the way.
Audrey Matusz joined the League as the Visual Communications Specialist in September 2024. She supports the team with implementing social media strategies and brainstorming creative ways to talk about public policy. She brings with her nearly a decade of experience in producing digital products for evidence-based social justice initiatives. 
Jacob Kaplan 
Donald Stuckey 
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
Mikell Frey is a communications professional with a passion for using the art of storytelling to positively impact lives. She strongly believes that positive social change can be inspired by the sharing of data-driven information coupled with the unique perspectives of people from all walks of life across Michigan, especially those who have faced extraordinary barriers. 
Yona Isaacs (she/hers) is an Early Childhood Data Analyst for the Kids Count project. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, she began her career as a research coordinator in pediatric psychiatry using data to understand the impacts of brain activity and genetics on children’s behavior and mental health symptoms. This work prompted an interest in exploring social determinants of health and the role of policy in promoting equitable opportunities for all children, families, and communities. She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her Masters in Social Work focused on Social Policy and Evaluation, during which she interned with the ACLU of Michigan’s policy and legislative team and assisted local nonprofit organizations in creating data and evaluation metrics. She currently serves as a coordinator for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice on a project aiming to increase placement options and enhance cultural competency within the juvenile justice system for LGBTQIA+ youth. Yona is eager to put her data skills to work at the League in support of data-driven policies that advocate for equitable access to healthcare, education, economic security, and opportunity for 0-5 year old children. In her free time, she enjoys tackling DIY house projects and trying new outdoor activities with her dog.
Rachel Richards rejoined the League in December 2020 as the Fiscal Policy Director working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury, the tax policy analyst and Legislative Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, and a policy analyst and the Appropriations Coordinator for the Democratic Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives. She brings with her over a decade of experience in policies focused on economic opportunity, including workforce issues, tax, and state budget.
Simon Marshall-Shah joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a State Policy Fellow in August 2019. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the budget, immigration, health care and other League policy priorities. Before joining the League, he worked in Washington, D.C. at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), providing federal policy and advocacy support to nonprofit, Medicaid health plans (Safety Net Health Plans) related to the ACA Marketplaces as well as Quality & Operations.
Renell Weathers, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Community Engagement Consultant. As community engagement consultant, Renell works with organizations throughout the state in connecting the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is motivated by the belief that all children and adults deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or economic class.
Emily Jorgensen joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in July 2019. She deeply cares about the well-being of individuals and families and has a great love for Michigan. She is grateful that her position at the League enables her to combine these passions and work to help promote policies that will lead to better opportunities and security for all Michiganders.
Megan Farnsworth joined the League’s staff in December 2022 as Executive Assistant. Megan is driven by work that is personally fulfilling, and feels honored to help support the work of an organization that pushes for more robust programming and opportunities for the residents of our state. She’s excited and motivated to gain overarching knowledge of the policies and agendas that the League supports.
