NewsLocal NewsIn Your NeighborhoodState Capitol

Actions

Call to Action Rally at the Capitol; 'protect voting rights and stop voter suppression bills'

Call to Action Rally
Posted at 11:32 AM, Apr 13, 2021
and last updated 2021-04-14 07:43:06-04

A Call to Action Rally to protect voting rights and stop "voter suppression" bills took place on the steps of the state Capitol in Lansing on Tuesday, the first day the Michigan Legislature was back in session.

Call to Action Rally
Several House of Representative officials joined the rally outside of the capitol building.

The Rally was lead by the Detroit chapter NAACP, the UAW, and other organizations from Detroit.

“We have a coalition of members all from across the state who are gathering to stand against the voter suppression bills that have been introduced in the senate elections committee,” said Executive Director of the Detroit Chapter NAACP Kamilia Landrum.

Call to Action Rally
Protesters gathered outside the capitol rallying against the 39 bills that could change voting laws.

This comes after Michigan GOP leaders unveiled 39 bills aiming to change voting laws. Some of those include requiring a copy of identification when voting absentee, requiring absentee ballot requests, and closing absentee ballot drop boxes at 5 P.M. on election day.

Landrum said they held the rally to show how they feel about the bill.

“It’s imperative that we’re in the forefront that we’re ready to stand and that people know we are organized, we’re strategizing and we’re responding to these ill attempts to take away our voting rights,” Landrum said.

Landrum said if the bills go to the legislature, they'll be back.

“If they come to the legislature, if they come to the floor, we’ll be back," she said. "If they make it, you know, any further, we’re coming back. We’re not going to let this pass in Michigan and keep people away from the polls.”

Call for Action Rally
Various members from organizations spoke at the rally including Detroit's Mayor.

Marvin Cotton traveled from Detroit to support the rally.

“I thought it was very important to be here for accountability," Cotton said. "Voters are really the heavy hammer for accountability when it comes to the government.”

Cotton hopes their voices were heard.

“I hope those in the building behind us, actually hear us,” he said

We reached out for a comment from the GOP but did not immediately hear back.

WATCH BELOW

Want to see more local news? Visit the FOX47News Website.

Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.

Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.

Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily
Forecasts.

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook