Passage of Proposal 3 in November, 2018, amended the Michigan Constitution by adding a list of voting rights, which include “no reason absentee” voting and expanding voter registration options. The implementation of the various provisions is an ongoing process. Our speakers will have a panel discussion regarding these changes representing three different perspectives. In addition, ballot security has become an important issue, and this will be addressed at the local level.

Riley Beggin, Capitol Reporter for Bridge Magazine: Ms. Beggin covers Michigan state politics, including legislative, gubernatorial and other state-wide elections. Her reporting focuses on political accountability, voting rights, campaign finance, criminal justice and more. She has also been a digital producer at LA’s NPR Station, KPCC, and a fellow at ABC News’ Washington, DC bureau.

Dr. Susan Smith, Vice President, League of Women Voters of Michigan: Dr. Smith is a retired Professor of Business Administration from Central Michigan University. She also served on the school board, city council and as mayor of Mount Pleasant. Dr. Smith has also been President of the Ann Arbor League and the Michigan League and active in the League’s redistricting reform efforts since 2011.

Larry Kestenbaum, Washtenaw County Clerk and Register of Deeds: Mr. Kestenbaum has been in his current elective office since 2005. He is the county’s chief election official. Previously, he served as a county commissioner in two Michigan counties and a board member on public commissions and non-profits.


This is the fourth in a six-lecture series. The subject is Voting in America: Perennial Issues, Current Developments. The next lecture will be December 5, 2019. The title is: Dragon-Slaying Takes Time: The Complex Process of Ending Gerrymandering After the Passage of Proposition 2.