Category: Criminal Justice Reform

This Pride Month, we honor the LGBTQIA+ community and remind each other: voting is a form of showing up. Pride is more than a celebration — it’s a declaration of strength, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice. At Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC), we recognize the deep connections between LGBTQIA+ rights and the…

Most Michiganders must drive to complete tasks of daily living. Losing driving privileges can result in lost jobs, income, and other opportunities. Policies regarding driver’s license suspension, revocation, and restoration should reflect this reality. Instead, it is a confusing and expensive process. Learn more by reviewing our one-page fact sheet below. Download>> Michigan Driver’s License…

The Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration (MI-CEMI), which serves over 115 member organizations working to improve public safety and end mass incarceration, established the following policy priorities for 2025–2026. These priorities were shaped through deep collaboration among justice-impacted leaders and organizations across the state, reflecting a range of political perspectives, lived experiences, and roles…

Voting rights are under attack again—this time, through the rollback of mail-in ballot grace periods. Lawmakers in several states are working quickly to eliminate grace periods for mail-in ballots—policies that have long ensured voters who mail their ballots on time still have their votes counted if delivery is delayed. Kansas has already passed a law…

Executive Director Angela Davenport joins community voices demanding accountability, equity, and inclusion. Last night in Detroit, voters came together to engage directly with the candidates hoping to lead the city. From housing and clean water to education, air quality, public safety, and how our leaders plan to serve those most impacted by the legal system—the…

Press Release KALAMAZOO — More than 280 West Michigan residents got free or low-cost help toward clearing old items off their criminal record at an expungement fair held Saturday in Kalamazoo. A total of 286 people received screening to determine if they were eligible for an expungement, and 119 people at the fair got help…

Last Friday, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson made a powerful public statement on the recently introduced Michigan Election Security Act—a proposal that could significantly impact voter access across the state. Her message was clear: legislation marketed as “security” must not be allowed to become a weapon for disenfranchisement. At Voting Access for All Coalition…

Hundreds of thousands of people have suspended licenses in Michigan Press Release LANSING — A few simple policy changes could enable thousands of Michiganders to safely restore suspended drivers’ licenses, according to a new report released by the Lansing-based nonprofit Safe & Just Michigan. Having a driver’s license is often essential to getting to work,…

From federal legislation to Michigan ballot proposals, voter access is under threat — and VAAC is paying attention. At Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC), we know that barriers to the ballot don’t just appear — they’re built. Across the country, legislation disguised as “safety” measures is threatening to make it harder for millions of…

Safe & Just Michigan’s report, “Driving on a Suspended Livelihood: An analysis of Michigan’s license restoration process,” looks at the hurdles between a suspended license and restoration and offers suggestions to make the process easier. Download>> Driving on a Suspended Livelihood The post Driving on a Suspended Livelihood: An analysis of Michigan’s license restoration process…