No Michigander should have to decide between their safety and their constitutional right to vote.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every area of our lives — including how we participate in the 2020 elections. 

At United Way, we know that strong voter turnout is foundational to building strong communities where elected leaders are responsive to people’s needs.  We also know that as we continue to battle this pandemic, access to mail-in ballots and safe polling places are essential to ensuring all voters are able to have their voices heard this election.  That is why we have joined VoteSafe Michigan. 

VoteSafe Michigan is a coalition of elected officials, health care professionals, voting experts, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations that are working to ensure the 2020 elections are safe, secure and accessible. This bipartisan coalition is led by former Republican Congressman Joe Schwarz and current Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. 

VoteSafe Coalition members have rallied around two principles:  

1. Michigan should ensure voters have accessible, secure mail-in ballots and safe, in-person voting sites.  
2. Congress should ensure that Michigan has the resources necessary to protect their voters and elections.