Secretary Benson honors Detroit Pistons as democracy defenders
DETROIT, Mich. – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson honored the Detroit Pistons during last night’s home game for the team’s work to support democracy in Michigan and across the country. Benson presented the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Medallion Award at center court to Detroit Pistons Vice Chair Arn Tellem and Erika Swilley, vice president of community and social responsibility.
“The Pistons have shown exceptional leadership through nonpartisan voter education programs, voter registration drives, and their commitment to sharing the truth about Michigan’s elections and our democratic process,” Secretary Benson said. “Their work defending democracy elevates the Pistons to one of the most exemplary civic champions in the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan. I am so thankful I get to work with this team and I’m grateful for all they do to help Michigan citizens exercise their right to vote.”
We are honored to be presented with the National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award,” said Erika Swilley, vice president of community and social responsibility for the Detroit Pistons. “Voter engagement is a pillar of our community and social justice efforts, and we take pride in utilizing our facility as a receiving board and activating our employees to volunteer as election workers and support voter registration efforts.”
The NASS Medallion Award was created to honor individuals, groups or organizations with an established record of promoting elections, civic education, service to state government, and giving back to their communities. Individual secretaries of state can award up to five NASS Medallions each year, but the Detroit Pistons are the first honorees selected by Secretary Benson since she took office in 2019.
In the last several election cycles, the Pistons have hosted voter education events, included a voter registration link on the team’s website, and installed an absentee ballot drop box outside the Pistons Performance Center. The team has hosted voter registration drives with its own employees and repeatedly connected its players and coaches with fans across the state to share information about voting.
Michigan’s 2024 presidential primary election is Tuesday, Feb. 27. For the first time, Michigan voters will have the constitutional right to cast their ballot at an early voting site starting at least nine days before Election Day. Early voting starts in the City of Detroit on Wednesday, Feb. 14 and at most other jurisdictions Saturday, Feb. 17.
To learn more about early voting, check your registration, or get more information about Michigan elections, visit Michigan.gov/Vote.
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Detroit Pistons Vice Chair Arn Tellem, Secretary Benson and Erika Swilley, vice president of community and social responsibility for the Detroit Pistons at center court.
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