MI voting group energized for National Voter Registration Day

As Michigan gears up for November's pivotal presidential election, the League of Women Voters of Michigan is ramping up efforts to make this National Voter Registration Day more successful than ever.

The nonpartisan group has launched a series of voter drives across the state.

Paula Bowman, co-president of the league, noted when it is a presidential election year, public interest in voting typically increases and as a result, her organization has received invitations to set up registration drives from a wide variety of community groups.

"We've even had an invitation from a Little League football team, who wanted us to come out to their park and register parents and onlookers," Bowman outlined. "Community colleges, regular universities, high schools and all sorts of places."

Bowman pointed out the League of Women Voters has also teamed up with companies locally and nationally to get people registered to vote, from LUSH Cosmetics to United Parcel Service.

Despite the high overall interest in this election, Bowman voiced concern in a presidential election year, many voters head to the polls knowing only how they will vote for president. She urged people to take the time to consider the other issues and familiarize themselves with the down-ballot races, as informed voting is critical to making an impact.

"There are a lot of local votes," Bowman stressed. "School board, township, county, and state votes and judicial. We hope that you do a little bit of research before you make the checkmarks on that ballot."

Bowman added the League compiles a nonpartisan Voter Guide, which people can check out online, or wait for a printed copy, which comes out at the end of this month. She added the strength of a democracy comes from full participation and the more people who vote, the stronger it becomes.