Media advisory for news conference

Who:

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson

Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey

WSU Board of Governors Chairwoman Marilyn Kelly

WSU President M. Roy Wilson

Wayne Law Dean Richard A. Bierschbach

WSU Student Senate President Stuart Baum

What:

On the heels of the Iowa presidential caucus, Wayne State University’s first on-campus polling location will be announced at the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne Law. This student-led initiative will celebrate the life and legacy of Judge Damon J. Keith by making voting and civic engagement more accessible to the WSU student body. Keith, a federal judge and Wayne Law graduate whose rulings championed equality and civil rights, tirelessly fought efforts to disenfranchise voters throughout his 50 years on the federal bench. He died on April 28, 2019.

Students and neighboring residents in Precinct 149 will be able to vote at this new location for the first time on March 10, 2020, for the presidential primary.

When: 

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, 11:30 a.m.–noon

Where:

Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne Law, 471 W. Palmer St., Detroit, MI 48202

The Keith Center is located at the west side of the law school building. Parking will be available at the flat lot directly in front of the law school.

Why:

The Wayne State Student Senate lobbied for an on-campus polling location on behalf of students frustrated with the challenges of voting. The previous location was located off campus without adequate transportation options for a growing on-campus population. With support of the university’s administration, the Student Senate put together a proposal and successfully worked with the Detroit City Council and the Detroit City Clerk’s Office to make the on-campus polling location a reality. Wayne State is now the fifth Michigan public university with a polling location.