Voter Rights Prevails in Macomb County

Written by: Carmella Sabaugh on Oct 5, 2006 12:50 PM EDT

CARMELLA SABAUGH FOR MICHIGAN SECRETARY OF STATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 5, 2006
Contact: Jeff Wattrick
1-586-463-1255

Sabaugh hails victory for voting rights

Judge rules mailing absentee applications causes no irreparable harm

MOUNT CLEMENS - Macomb County Clerk and candidate for Secretary of State Carmella Sabaugh (D - Warren) praised a circuit court decision today to allow the Clerk's office to give all seniors in the county an equal right to vote absentee.

"Macomb County seniors now have an equal opportunity to vote absentee, no matter where in the county they live," said Sabaugh. "Voters deserve to know why the Republican Party is trying to stop over 49,000 Macomb County seniors from getting absentee applications."

After hearing arguments from both the Republican plaintiffs and attorneys for the County Clerks office, Judge John Foster ruled against the Republican attempt to make it harder for seniors to vote. When delivering his ruling, Judge Foster said he didn't agree with Republicans that irreparable harm would come from more people voting. The Judge then denied a request from the Plaintiff to stay his decision.

"I'm pleased Judge Foster ruled in our favor today and said we could mail these applications without delay," said Sabaugh. "Within minutes of today's ruling, the Clerks office mailed the applications to ensure Macomb County seniors are given the same opportunity to vote absentee as Oakland County seniors, all of whom receive absentee applications from their clerks.

Even with today's court victory, Sabaugh says she isn't done fighting to protect the rights of senior voters in Macomb County.

"I believe Republicans will try to stop seniors from voting by challenging their absentee ballots, otherwise why did Republicans request the list of voters receiving absentee applications, said Sabaugh.

A Freedom of Information Act Request was filed by Victoria Czapski, Republican Field Director in Macomb County, for the names of everyone receiving an absentee application from the County Clerk.

Sabaugh also criticized the plaintiffs for trying to limit the media's access to the courtroom for this mornings hearing.

"When I think of the most basic American rights, I think about voting, open government, free speech, and free press," said Sabaugh. "The Republicans came to court trying to limit access to the ballot for senior citizens and tried to do it behind closed doors. Attempting to block the press from the courtroom today was reprehensible."

Carmella Sabaugh is running for Secretary of State on a strong voter rights platform. She supports no-reason absentee voting, Election Day registration, automatic voter registration, and opposes photo ID requirements to vote. Terri Lynn Land has been silent on voting rights issues
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Location: Mount Clemens, MI 48043