http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/disability-old-s444.jpgRepeal of the Voter Transportation Ban, which made it a criminal offense to hire paid transportation to take voters to the polls, came quickly on the heels of a lawsuit filed by a group of voting rights advocacy organizations.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Recently Michigan lawmakers repealed the state’s century-old voter transportation ban, which made it a criminal offense to hire paid transportation to take voters to the polls. The voter transportation ban, which was a product of 19th-century attempts to suppress the votes of the poor, had only a single, narrow exception for voters who are “physically unable to walk.”

With the ban repealed, Michigan voters will be able to take advantage of free rides to the polls funded by churches, civic and grassroots organizations, and ridesharing companies. Michigan was the last state in the United States with such a ban.

The repeal of the ban came quickly on the heels of a lawsuit filed earlier this summer by a group of voting rights advocacy organizations—Detroit Disability Power, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Michigan Clergy Connects, and Priorities USA—and an individual voter. The lawsuit was funded and supported by Priorities USA.

“This repeal is a win for American democracy and Michigan voters,” said Priorities USA Executive Director Danielle Butterfield. “For decades, this ban has been a huge barrier to the marginalized communities who face unique challenges when making plans to vote, and we’re proud to have stood with Detroit Disability Power, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, and Michigan Clergy Connects in opposing this ban in the courts. Priorities USA will continue to work with our partners to stand up to any and all attacks on voting rights throughout the country.”

“This was the right fight at the right time. The Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans will use the ballot and the bar to seek justice for retired Michiganders. We are gratified that the legislature recognized the merit in our case and took action to make getting to the pulls easier for retired voters,” said Jim Pedersen, President of Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans.

“The Voter Transportation Ban was a tool of suppression and an offense to democratic principles,” according to Bishop James A. Williams, II, Chairman of Michigan Clergy Connects. “We are grateful to have had the opportunity to stand with Detroit Disability Power, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, and Priorities USA in opposing the ban and we celebrate its repeal. We remain committed to our work of networking with faith leaders, community leaders, and organizers to reimagine public safety, preserve democracy, and strive toward peace and justice for all Michiganders.”

“Voting rights are the foundation for all of our civil rights, yet they are still an elusive privilege, multiplying systemic inequalities. Voters without cars are half as likely to vote at the polls. Disabled voters are twice as likely as nondisabled voters to have transportation barriers keep us from the polls. Today, we joyously embrace the dismantling of a significant barrier on the journey to equitable voting, championing accessibility for everyone – particularly the economically disadvantaged, the disabled, and those who bear the brunt of both. As we celebrate this milestone, we look to tomorrow with unwavering determination, standing alongside Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Michigan Clergy Connects, Priorities USA, and all our allies, forging ahead in our fight for voting rights, equality, and justice,” said Kaci Pellar, Policy Manager at Detroit Disability Power