With just over a week before the midterm elections, AFSCME members across the country are mobilizing with incredible energy to hold billionaires and corrupt politicians accountable and to elect lawmakers with real plans to deliver for working families.  

AFSCME members in Michigan offer a great example of the breadth of our union’s get-out-the-vote initiatives. Michiganders are determined to keep growing our union strength and secure a better future for their families. 

They are attending rallies, knocking on doors, making calls, and educating voters about issues that are critical for working families. 

AFSCME President Patrick Moran recently traveled to Michigan to speak with members there, hear their concerns and mobilize behind candidates like Joceyln Benson for governor and Abdul El-Sayed for the Senate.  

For some Michigan members, healthcare is front and center. That means electing pro-worker candidates who will address the skyrocketing healthcare costs and, for those who work in healthcare, fighting to ensure they can continue delivering quality health care to their patients. 

“With the current political administration, healthcare is in shambles,” said Rick Long, president of Local 2650, which represents hundreds of workers at several McLaren healthcare locations throughout Michigan. “Funding has been cut to a bare minimum. Patients are suffering. We can get other jobs, but patients can’t find other treatment. This comes from the cuts from the elected officials.”

For other AFSCME members in Michigan, the goal is simple: growing our union power. 

David Kastner, the president of Local 369, said: “I was excited to support Abdul El-Sayed. I believe electing him will put power back in the hands of the people, back in the hands of the unions, and get us the wins we need to keep making progress in the state of Michigan.”   

For other AFSCME members in Michigan, the goal is simple: growing our union power. 

David Kastner, the president of Local 369, said: “I was excited to support Abdul El-Sayed. I believe electing him will put power back in the hands of the people, back in the hands of the unions, and get us the wins we need to keep making progress in the state of Michigan.” 

For other AFSCME members, it’s about speaking up and showing our solidarity.  

Jovana Byrd, a member of Local 1659, said: “I come out to stand in solidarity with my union and my sister unions because it’s very important that we get the word out. It’s very important that we come out and see all of us. Standing strong together. We need to make change.” 

Edward McNeil, a member of Retirees Chapter 255, feels driven to help turn out votes because of the threats to retirees’ pensions, Social Security, and their retirement security.  

“We’ve got to [knock on doors]. We’ve got to turn around what’s been happening the last four years. Every day, we’ve been doing phone calls, we’ve been doing walk lists and we’re never going to quit because we know when we fight, we win.”   

It’s not too late to take part in the midterm excitement, as well as make your plan to vote. Join your fellow union members and get involved.