Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

Lansing, MI-John E. Johnson Jr., Executive Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, has issued the following statement on the passage today in the State House of four bills on voting rights.

"Today the Michigan legislature took a big step toward ensuring that everyone in Michigan who has the right to vote, will have a way to vote. Whether it is giving distant service members the right to cast a ballot electronically, or allowing for transportation to the polls, helping seniors, people with disabilities, and people who don't have ready access to a car or public transportation to get to the polls. Voting is a civil right – possibly the most important civil right – and we commend the legislators who today committed to making voting possible for thousands more citizens of our great state."

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights is charged with investigating and resolving discrimination complaints and works to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws. The Department also provides information and services to businesses on diversity initiatives and equal employment law. For more information on the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr.