Mike Williford’s Story
Hello Everyone,
My name is Mike Williford, and I currently serve as a member of the Saint Ignace City Council. I’ve been a resident of Saint Ignace since 2009. I’ve been a Mackinac County resident since 2003, starting as a year-round resident on Mackinac Island.
I grew up in Detroit, in a community that was firmly situated in the lower middle class. I witnessed my mother’s struggles with voting. As a single mother who was gainfully employed, her days began early as she relied on public transportation to get to work. They ended late, often after she had to prepare dinner for us. When it came time to vote, her already long days stretched even longer. She faced the challenge of balancing her daily responsibilities with the need to wait in long lines for hours just to cast her vote.
For many people, such hurdles can lead to disenfranchisement, a reality I’ve seen firsthand.
The first time I voted was for Bill Clinton at a precinct in Lansing, Michigan. I was young and probably didn’t pay as much attention to the issues as I did to the individual candidate. His appearance on the Arsenio Hall Show made him relatable to me at that time. Looking back, I’m glad I voted for him, as he turned out to do a solid job in office. The line at that precinct took about an hour, but I felt honored to perform my civic duty.
In recent voting cycles, I’ve opted for absentee voting. It offers me much more flexibility with my schedule. Despite the misinformation surrounding this option, research shows that voting absentee is extremely safe. With my multiple jobs, I’m grateful for having more voting options rather than fewer.
These are my biggest reasons that I prefer absentee voting:
· Convenience: Allows you to vote from home, eliminating the need to travel to a polling place.
· Flexibility: You can cast your vote at a time that works best for your schedule, especially if you have multiple commitments.
· Avoid Long Lines: Reduces the stress of waiting in long lines on Election Day.
· Time for Research: Gives you the opportunity to thoroughly research candidates and issues without the pressure of a time limit.
· Accessibility: Provides an option for those with disabilities or health concerns who may find it challenging to vote in person.
· Peace of Mind: Allows you to vote early, ensuring your voice is heard even if unexpected circumstances arise on Election Day.
· Security: Many jurisdictions have implemented measures to ensure the safety and integrity of absentee voting.
I won’t take up much more of your time, but I want to remind everyone that early in-person voting starts on October 26th. Please make sure to thoroughly research all candidates before casting your vote, whether by absentee ballot or in person.
Thank you for your time!
