Appeal Committee
Michigan Democratic Party
606 Townsend, Lansing, MI 48933

Democracy and equality protect the least of these. Over three decades ago, my friend, Sen. David Holmes founded the Black Caucus so that people of color could organize around issues we care about. Sen. David Holmes meant the Black Caucus to be a model of democracy, fairness, equality, and transparency.

After registering properly, and waiting in line for almost an hour, dozens of MDP members were denied the right to vote in the MDP Black Caucus on February 2, 2019. We believe there must be a new election.

MDP Black Caucus Election on February 2, 2019, was not fair, democratic, or carried out according to the rules of the Michigan Democratic Party. We seek redress. Many Minorities in Wayne County feel that they have been treated as a step-child of the Democratic Party, especially in terms of access to information about how the party works, and how to participate in it. This has the impact of lower voter turn-out than many other communities, and more infighting between those who do choose to participate, as evidenced by restraining orders, and by the three fights which broke out near, and inside of the MDP Black Caucus, which resulted in law enforcement being called to the Cobo Arena during the election.

Articles 2.3, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.14, 3.2 have been violated. Article 2.9 states:
The time and place for all meetings of all MDP units shall be publicized fully and in such a manner as to assure timely notice to all interested persons. Such meetings must be held in places accessible to all Party members and large enough to accommodate all interested persons.

However, one of the reasons given for locking out members was that the room had reached capacity. Therefore, the room was not large enough to accommodate all interested persons. Some MDP members received secret information by email, as to the locking of the doors. Because this information was not made public, MDP rules were violated.

Those locked out, were on average, older than those who were allowed to vote. Many of those who were locked out have disabilities. Therefore, voter suppression at the Michigan Democratic Party had an adverse impact to older and disabled persons. Each of the violations, and the harm they cause are explained the addendum, which is available by clicking here, or by request from Herman Davis.

Because of the chaos, and because of the number of members locked out from the meeting, and therefore denied the right to vote, we believe the election for MDP Black Caucus should be held again. By holding the election again, everyone can feel assured that the Michigan Democratic Party and the Caucus upholds the principles of fairness, democracy, and enforces its own rules.

Respectfully Submitted by MDP Members Below,