Tomorrow is Election Day!
Michigan’s Primary is Tuesday, August 4. Make sure you are registered to vote, and that your voter registration address is up to date. Check your status or register online.
If you have not yet returned your absentee ballot, please drop it off at one of the absentee ballot drop off locations here: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index/#yourclerk
Click here to find your polling place. Remember voting is from 7am to 8pm on Election Day. If you are in line by 8pm, you’re allowed to vote! Visit AFT Michigan 2026 Endorsement page for a list of our endorsed candidates.
AFT Michigan Solidarity In Action
AFT Michigan staff, members, and volunteers came together this past Saturday to knock doors and canvas for our endorsed allies—and what a great day of solidarity and action!
Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to help get our message out to voters. Every conversation at the door helps build support for candidates who will stand up for public education, healthcare, workers’ rights, and our communities.
Your commitment and dedication make a real difference. Together, we’re building power, strengthening our movement, and helping elect leaders who share our values.
Thank you for stepping up and showing what union solidarity looks like in action. We look forward to seeing you at our next canvass!
University Staff United Retreat
On Saturday, August 1, University Staff United (USU Local 248) officers, stewards and committee chairs met at the LEO office for a day-long retreat, developing their skills in contract enforcement, union representation and building strength.
USU Vice President, Hilary Murmers, facilitated and organized the retreat with informative sessions. President Nathan Sadowsky on stewards’ duties and representation. USU steward, Daric Thorne, gave an overview of Robert’s Rules. USU steward, Laura Herbert, shared her experience and successes in resolving issues with U of M housing staff.
About University Staff United Local #284: An affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, USU is a diverse and growing union of and for staff at the University of Michigan. We believe in democratic decision-making and we promote the idea that staff should have an equal seat at the table when decisions are made that affect our jobs.
Keep Politics Out of Research Funding
Scientific research conducted at our colleges and universities drives the discoveries that improve public health, strengthen national security, fuel economic growth and solve the complex challenges facing our communities. Funding cuts to higher education research threaten lifesaving medical breakthroughs, technological innovation, climate resilience and workforce development while weakening the nation’s global competitiveness. And political interference in research threatens to disrupt the education and training of the next generation of scientists, researchers and skilled professionals who depend on research opportunities to develop critical expertise. Protecting robust federal and state investments in research is essential to ensuring that the institution of higher education continues to advance knowledge, create opportunity, and deliver solutions that improve lives and build a stronger future for everyone.
President Donald Trump and his allies have proposed a rule to put their political appointees in charge of federal grant funding. We need to protect our scientific and medical research from political meddling. Click here, and urge your senators to reject the proposed Office of Management and Budget rule.
AFT Climate Action
Climate change is already affecting our schools, hospitals and communities. From extreme heat to unhealthy air, educators, healthcare professionals and public service workers are seeing the impact every day.
The AFT is working alongside members to advocate for healthier buildings, stronger workplace protections, renewable energy investments and the freedom to teach the science of climate change.
Learn how educators are helping build healthier, more resilient communities: https://www.aft.org/climate
Labor@Wayne: August 11
The Michigan AFL-CIO will be announcing a new partnership with Labor@Wayne on August 11, 2026 at 4:30pm.
If you’re interested in the school or attending the event, RSVP by clicking here.
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students, patients and communities all year round and we need your help. Can you donate $1 a week to aid us in this fight? Please visit the AFT Michigan website to contribute and make a big difference in protecting public education and building a better Michigan future!
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
