Are we all in a Covid-Funk, or is it only me? I have missed our winter and spring activities: our meetings, our June outing, Lunchin’ Around, Night Readers, as well as contact with family and friends. This fall, I miss meeting candidates for local and state offices in person. I even miss the door-to-door visits and the flyers on my doorknob.

As Public Policy Chair, I would like to highlight important information regarding voting this fall:

• Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced that she will mail postcards informing voters of their right to vote from home
• Postcards will be mailed from the Michigan Bureau of Elections to the 4.4 million active, registered voters who are not on a permanent absent-voter list
• The state will mail the postcards between August 20 and September 20
• Clerks must begin mailing requested ballots to voters 40 days before the election on September 24.
• The Bureau of Elections will allocate an additional $5.5 million to support voters and clerks in expectation that the number of people voting from home will again increase significantly.

AAUWTC will join local groups, including League of Women Voters- Grand Traverse and Traverse Area Historical Society, to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment at the Open Space Wednesday, August 26. Those who feel comfortable are invited to join the gathering beginning at 5:30pm. There will be a short program reflecting on suffrage at 5:50pm.  Face masks and social distancing are required.

AAUW National Update: “AAUW Lauds Supreme Court Move in Salary History Case” read more 

Look for more information about our Program featuring AAUWMI Government Relations Coordinator Mary Pollack and an updated AAUWMI Voting Guide in the September newsletter

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer and join in our virtual events this fall!

-Cindy Hull, Public Policy Chair