[NFBMI-Talk] FW: Democracy Ambassador Oct. 29, 2026 Newsletter

Thu Oct 29 21:34:23 UTC 2026

From: Michigan Secretary of State <MISOS at govsubscriptions.michigan.gov> 
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2026 2:00 PM
To: president at nfbmi.org
Subject: Democracy Ambassador Oct. 29, 2026 Newsletter

The Michigan Department of State presents the Oct. 29, 2026 edition of the Democracy Ambassador Newsletter 

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- Oct. 29, 2026 Newsletter - 

Produced by the Michigan Department of State

  <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2024/05/9577749/6772994/registertovote_crop.png> LATEST ELECTION NEWS

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  <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2024/11/10467391/7168456/voting-is-patriotic-edit_crop.jpg> Statewide early voting period open

Michigan's early voting period runs from Saturday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 1. 

With early voting, you can visit an early voting site in your area and complete a ballot in person before Election Day. This convenient voting option runs through Sunday, Nov. 1.

Early voting locations and hours may be different from the polling places open on Election Day, so be sure to look up your early voting sites and hours before visiting. Voters with a mail ballot can still turn it in at their early vote site.

Visit  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmvic.sos.state.mi.us%2FVoter/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/nHsYuFIlgTReBrIqsEF8X1LDexyv37Ule34I0pVqfsk=452> mi.gov/vote to look up your early voting sites and hours, or to track your mail ballot.

More information and answers to frequently asked questions are available at  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Felections%2Fvoting%2Fearly-in-person-voting/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/qur2oV_jWAShsNoGTodcitEu5a8vUHNcdTGGfOfHMgE=452> mi.gov/earlyvoting.

Have questions?
Email us at  <mailto:elections at michigan.gov> elections at michigan.gov or call our partners at the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

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  <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2024/07/9766298/votedsticker_original.png> Accessible voting remains a priority in Michigan

Voters with disabilities should be able to exercise their voting rights at the polls. Anything that prevents voters with disabilities from voting is unacceptable.

Laws require that polling places remove any barriers that prevent voters with disabilities from voting. That means doors shouldn't be blocked, alternatives to stairs, like ramps or elevators, should be available, and lighting and seating should be adequate. 

Any voter who requires assistance in casting a ballot has options:

*	use of a voter assist terminal (VAT) which reads the ballot and helps mark it
*	get assistance from another person they bring with them
*	get assistance from two election inspectors of different political parties
*	vote a mail ballot

The three vendors used in the state of Michigan are Liberty Vote, ES&S, and Hart. Each vendor offers a VAT so that voters with disabilities have an easier time marking their ballot.

Each VAT is like an ink pen. It doesn't count any votes, but it helps voters mark ballots using Braille, headphones, a sip/puff device or other accessibility device. Any voter can use the VAT. Read more about what equipment your county has on our  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Felections%2Fvoting%2Fvoters%2Fvoting-equipment/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/MmOQUPUS6tJhgPVkIdwpiY7nt1KhzbWD2N0wNkLSdGc=452> website.

If you need help, you can contact the Michigan Bureau of Elections Ombudsperson for Accessible Elections. Email:  <mailto:MDOS-ADAVoting at Michigan.gov> mdos-adavoting at mi.gov; phone: 517-335-2730

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  <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2026/10/14561390/7199407/adobestock-751801148-1-1_crop.jpeg> Challengers versus poll watchers: who can watch, who can act

You've heard of election challengers and poll watchers, but you might not know what they're allowed to do when they're at the polls on Election Day and during early voting, and at absent voter counting boards.

Anyone can be a poll watcher. That means you watch voting from a specific spot in the polling place and you can't interfere with the process. If you see a problem, you can contact your local clerk or call 866-OUR-VOTE.

Political parties and organizations can appoint election challengers to be at the polls. The person has to have a credential and take training to understand what they can and can't do.

Challengers can challenge a vote cast by a person they have good reason to believe is not eligible, or if the ballot was not issued properly. They make the challenge to a liaison. That person determines if the challenge is allowed. Challenges can't be based on the voter's political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, disability, inability to read or speak English,  clothing/appearance, or how they voted.

Challengers can't talk to voters, touch any of the equipment or materials, take photos or recordings or interfere with the voting process. They can take notes.

Read more on our website:  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2F-%2Fmedia%2FProject%2FWebsites%2Fsos%2F01vanderroest%2FSOS_ED_2_CHALLENGERS.pdf%3Frev=65577c64b9d74ca4bb05faec8c3dc22f%26hash=6C7FEC5C33CB3F598174E293EFD55070/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/jRDryZGEdNJ1iWNpoQfUbYCieoKNIP-bqY3UAIzWn7o=452> The Appointment, Rights, and Duties of Election Challengers and Poll Watchers

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  <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2026/10/14561301/7199408/adobestock-376447517_crop.jpeg> Ballot reminders

Share these graphics to remind your team how and when to return their ballots.

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  <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2026/10/14561030/7199409/26-clerks-dropbox-1_crop.png> 

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Right click, "save as," to download these graphics

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The Michigan Department of State presents the Oct. 29 edition of the  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Felections%2Fvoter-education-resources%2Fdemocracy-ambassador/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/BTx3VXtcbllr9OFAg-769m4UMApwrDII7Ngdw8wal6M=452> Democracy Ambassador Newsletter, containing nonpartisan information to help you rise above the noise and know the facts about Michigan elections.

 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Faccounts%2FMISOS%2Fsubscriber%2Fnew/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/5EP_zWwfpbvt2Wb6EjDiaFRC-QQcjM06FHemAiifqiQ=452> Subscribe for updates

 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Felections%2Fvoting%2Fearly-in-person-voting/2/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/Zarh1UqWyq3kj9hFpW13svZjOBOkBg1SleEAuGfArS4=452>  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Felections%2Fvoting%2Fearly-in-person-voting/2/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/Zarh1UqWyq3kj9hFpW13svZjOBOkBg1SleEAuGfArS4=452>  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Felections%2Fvoting%2Fearly-in-person-voting/2/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/Zarh1UqWyq3kj9hFpW13svZjOBOkBg1SleEAuGfArS4=452> 

SOS News

Oct. 27 -  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2026%2F10%2F27%2Fmore-than-1-point-39-million-michigan-voters-have-cast-their-ballot-one-week/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/SVE4ZthSDA9ks3iTtIJn439WUADUUNsEEmeW_nZWSAw=452> More than 1.39 million Michigan voters have cast their ballot one week before the General Election

Oct. 23 -  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2026%2F10%2F23%2Fearly-in-person-voting-begins-statewide-saturday-oct-24-for-the-2026-general-election/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/OpULJf8B5Gq7r8hqnihNy0sokp0e_jW-qUT9oShnD2U=452> Early in-person voting begins statewide Saturday, Oct. 24 for the 2026 General Election

Oct. 20 -  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2026%2F10%2F20%2Fmore-than-780000-michigan-voters-have-cast-their-ballot-two-weeks-before-election-day/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/JatEg_b_krcngPYEg36wm_BHhuamaOKxzgNkDcqPCUU=452> More than 780,000 Michigan voters have cast their ballot two weeks before Election Day; active registered voter turnout reaches 10.7%

Oct. 14 -  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2026%2F10%2F14%2Fpublic-testing-of-election-equipment-now-underway-statewide-for-nov-3-general-election/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/wlld5C2zImFa5_dkBEPKT45-HP6AqNf6uxS1Rq1eOnQ=452> Public testing of election equipment now underway statewide for Nov. 3 General Election

Oct. 13 -  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2026%2F10%2F13%2Fthree-weeks-before-election-day-6-percent-of-voters-have-already-cast-their-ballot/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/zREyESl8qgLKziBEYI8S34at9WqtbCBvTpqWLQgeQ78=452> Three weeks before Election Day, 6% of Michigan’s active registered voters have already cast their ballot

Oct. 6 -  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2026%2F10%2F06%2Ffour-weeks-before-election-day-mail-ballot-returns-are-up-30-over-same-point-in-2022/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/H-kndlRIVBFkKG4g7FY2vUL6SOm8lN55AHi_HmXdSbU=452> Four weeks before Election Day, mail ballot returns are up 30% over same point in 2022

Sept. 15 -  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2026%2F09%2F15%2Fdepartment-of-state-to-visit-seven-michigan-college-campuses-for-voter-registration-day/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/3CvWW9NCAUOe8pqoTDZJetmBgqVGY6snl0atOlrxqPk=452> Department of State to visit seven Michigan college campuses for Voter Registration Day

Sept. 8 -  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2026%2F09%2F08%2Fmichigan-department-of-state-celebrates-voter-preregistration-week/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/YeYtl4SQ57bUrw6ZSpBthhXLHZnNvmUyEhwZGqOOTdQ=452> Michigan Department of State celebrates Voter Preregistration Wee <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2026%2F09%2F08%2Fmichigan-department-of-state-celebrates-voter-preregistration-week/2/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/WIT-ey3WyCjzSCgzvG8FtHzWxXlLD2BNSJEoeOKVJBU=452> k

Aug. 28 -  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2026%2F08%2F28%2Fnew-oag-report-affirms-michigans-voter-rolls-are-secure-and-accurate/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/GNzAiaMkqAiMkrLrfY8Kg_HRHbpWtACVtwrC8Md2_Wg=452> New OAG report affirms Michigan's voter rolls are secure and accurate

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  <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2024/07/9766220/5556617/calendar_crop.png> Important Dates and Deadlines

Oct. 24 - First day of statewide early voting.

Nov. 1 - Last day of statewide early voting.

Nov. 3 – General Election

Visit  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmvic.sos.state.mi.us%2F/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/RxLOsIXXvN7ydJbZeLmLFW6EcMSFyBXoJkTM92tQgkU=452> mi.gov/vote to view upcoming elections in your city or township.

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 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2025%2F09%2F09%2Ftufts-university-report-michigan-had-nations-largest-young-voter-turnout-increase-in-2024-elections/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/sy7fnzsoeIACtazHH3sE-bCMovalttjjageTgpNJyqw=452>  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2025%2F09%2F09%2Ftufts-university-report-michigan-had-nations-largest-young-voter-turnout-increase-in-2024-elections/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/sy7fnzsoeIACtazHH3sE-bCMovalttjjageTgpNJyqw=452>  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos%2Fresources%2Fnews%2F2025%2F09%2F09%2Ftufts-university-report-michigan-had-nations-largest-young-voter-turnout-increase-in-2024-elections/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/sy7fnzsoeIACtazHH3sE-bCMovalttjjageTgpNJyqw=452> 

Did you know?

All election tabulators are tested for the public before each election.

Every election, your city or townshiop conducts public accuracy testing of tabulators, which count the votes, and voter assist terminals, which help voters mark their ballots, and you can attend.

The public accuracy test for early voting equipment must be conducted at least five days prior to the start of early voting. The public accuracy test for Election Day equipment must be conducted at least five days prior to the election.

The location and 
time of each test must be published in a newspaper at least 48 hours prior to the public test so that you can plan to attend. Keep an eye on your local news media or contact your local clerk to find out when testing is happening in your city or township.

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  <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2026/04/13503140/6862560/hero_crop.png> Meet an Election Hero!

Michael Grix, Training Specialist, Macomb County

Michael was nominated by Kathy Poore, Co-President, League of Women Voters, Macomb County.

Mr. Grix does exemplary work on behalf of the Macomb County residents in guaranteeing our elections are secure. The League of Women Voters (LWV) has recognized his professionalism through his work on the election certification process conducted by the county board of canvassers over the last several years.  

Going above and beyond his normal role, Mr. Grix worked with League members in September and October to educate Macomb County high school students about the election process through a "mock election." He was effective in explaining voting, having students use a tabulator, and presenting the results at the end of the process. This outreach was well received by students, teachers, and school administrators in Macomb County. His commitment to current and future voters is unquestionable. 

"No matter what time one may drop in on the Elections Office, Mr. Grix is always courteous to visitors, staff, and election workers," Kathy wrote. 

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If you know an election official in Michigan who goes above and beyond to run our elections, please complete the  <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fforms.cloud.microsoft%2Fg%2FaFTW8su0NP/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/rSdvHkJjC6_J8ttYTP-0VlqnG-DtFwTTRS8J9RRNY34=452> Election Hero Submission Form for a chance to have your election hero featured in an upcoming Democracy Ambassadors Newsletter. 

Election officials include clerks, clerk staff, poll workers/election inspectors, Bureau of Elections staff, election commission members, and canvass board members. 

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 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmvic.sos.state.mi.us%2F/2/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/uf2SlYHJLFOP7zkeJ8RoroZD-3wRzxl_SPGVO7Fblzs=452> 

Get personalized voter information at mi.gov/vote <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmvic.sos.state.mi.us%2F/3/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/Reth83jv8PeyQ9ZqH8GjIgpfdhlLghplqc8_-Qh7g_8=452> 

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Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fservice.govdelivery.com%2Faccounts%2FMISOS%2Fsubscriber%2Fnew%3Fpreferences=true/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/iWQpM3lxHtbvSuInnH14Nlu_ENOvrQyVJ9sxHnOsCnI=452> . You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsubscriberhelp.govdelivery.com%2F/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/HUqZGijKGt1m6VO6-WwwnKdSvOPhBuBQGAvKmLv4yTs=452> .This service is provided to you at no charge by Michigan Department of State <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fsos/1/010001a188d19184-c3ef12bb-da18-45b9-87e1-34f45cf697d5-000000/RxXtiz1BGAxpicvOLTBwjKq6W-pOYkk-nehxO0R2lj0=452> .

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This email was sent to president at nfbmi.org <mailto:president at nfbmi.org>  using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Secretary of State · 430 W. Allegan Street · Lansing, MI 48918 · 1-888-767-6424

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