ICYMI: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Joins Center for American Progress and National Conference of Democratic Mayors to Discuss Ensuring the Safety of Michigan’s Elections

Yesterday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined Pontiac Mayor Deidre Waterman, Westland Mayor Bill Wild, and Center for American Progress Action Fund Managing Director of Democracy and Government Reform William Roberts in a discussion about the steps Michigan leaders are taking to make sure every Michigander can vote in November.

With high turnout expected and a record number of voters planning to cast their ballot by mail, it has never been more important for state and local elected officials to work together to facilitate voter registration and participation, recruit and retain poll workers, and promote voter education.

Gov. Whitmer discussed the efforts leaders in Michigan are taking to ensure that every person can vote safely during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She called the president’s attempts to interfere with the integrity of our elections “sinister” and “selfish,” reassured Michiganders that absentee ballots are safe and valid, and encouraged everyone to vote as early as possible.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: “We’ve got to get this election right. We’ve got to make it easier for people to vote. This pandemic doesn’t care if you’re a Republican or you’re a Democrat. […] It doesn’t matter which part of the state you are in – you have the right as an American to an American government that is going to protect you in the midst of a pandemic and a government that ensures that your vote, you can cast safely and that it will be counted. And that’s what we are going to live up to.”

Watch a recording of the discussion here.