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.
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.
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.”
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.
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