VAAC Executive Director Angela Davenport recently collaborated with Michigan Voices on a new Substack article examining jail-based disenfranchisement and efforts to expand voting access for eligible voters detained in Michigan jails.
Many people are surprised to learn that individuals detained in Michigan county jails while awaiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing remain eligible to register to vote and vote by absentee ballot. Yet confusion around eligibility, limited access to information, and gaps in local systems often prevent eligible voters from participating in elections.
In the article, Davenport discusses the barriers many eligible voters face while detained, the importance of civic education and voter registration inside jails, and the work underway to expand jail voting access across Michigan.
The piece also highlights examples of how collaboration between advocates, election officials, sheriffs, and community organizations can help ensure eligible voters are not excluded from the democratic process simply because they are detained.
Jail voting remains a growing area of focus for VAAC’s work as the organization continues partnering with local officials, directly impacted leaders, and community organizations to expand access to voter registration, absentee voting, and civic education for eligible voters across Michigan.
Read the full article on the Michigan Voices Substack: Justice for Jail Voters
To learn more about VAAC’s jail voting work and how to get involved, visit:
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