Civil Rights Group Challenges Voter Roll Purges in Ypsilanti Township
Concerns over potential voter disenfranchisement are mounting in Ypsilanti Township as a civil rights group highlights possible illegal voter roll purges. A recent letter from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan to the township clerk warns of actions that may contravene state election laws and constitutional rights.
The ACLU expressed its apprehension, stating: “We write to express serious concern that some voters in Ypsilanti Township — potentially hundreds of voters — may have been wrongfully purged from the voting rolls.” This correspondence was prompted by reports that voters were removed when mail addressed to them was returned as undeliverable.
A township resident brought the issue to light after claiming she was improperly struck from the voter rolls due to mail delivery problems. Despite residing at the same address, her absentee ballot and subsequent notice were returned undelivered. The ACLU contends that mail issues should not result in disenfranchisement, as underscored by ACLU senior attorney Phil Mayor, who stated, “The law makes it clear that just because you’re having a problem with your mail doesn’t mean you can be thrown off the voting rolls and potentially disenfranchised.”
Data revealed an unusually high rate of absentee ballot cancellations in the township during the August primary and November general election of 2025, accounting for over 30% of all such cancellations statewide. Phil Mayor suggests this could signal a systemic issue affecting up to 200 voters, particularly as local clerks face political pressure to clear names from voter rolls for reasons that may not be fully substantiated.
Mayor advocates for a legal approach where disputed registrations are monitored for at least two federal election cycles before any action is taken. Should the situation remain unresolved, the ACLU may pursue a lawsuit on the grounds of constitutional voting rights violations.
Ypsilanti Township Clerk Debbie Swanson, who assumed office in 2024, acknowledged the ACLU’s concerns. “I wanted you to know that I’m in receipt of the ACLU letter dated January 27, 2026,” she told Michigan Public Radio. “We’re looking into the concerns that were raised and look forward to working with the ACLU on this matter.”
The ACLU has requested a response by February 13 and has filed a Freedom of Information Act request for additional documentation. The Michigan Bureau of Elections and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson have also been notified of the ACLU’s concerns, with a spokesperson confirming that the letter is under review.
—
Read More Michigan News
