Oakland County, MI - April 22, 2009 -  The county clerks for  Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, who together represent nearly 50 percent of Michigan's 7.5 million registered voters, met Wednesday as part of their ongoing efforts to work together to improve elections in Michigan.

"We don't agree on everything, but there are issues we do agree on - including making sure every voice is heard on Election Day," said Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson who was joined by Macomb County Clerk & Register Carmella Sabaugh and Wayne County Clerk Cathy M. Garrett.

Among the issues discussed Wednesday during the two-hour, bipartisan "Big Three" meeting were election reform, fighting identity theft and cost-cutting efforts. Johnson is a Republican. Sabaugh and Garrett are Democrats. The clerks have joined forces before on several issues, including efforts to increase voter participation while preserving the integrity of the election process.

"We're living in unique times and it takes cooperation," said Garrett. "It's not about party affiliation, it's about good government."

Sabaugh agreed, saying: "We are cooperating to benefit our citizens. There's nothing more important to democracy than elections."

Johnson may be contacted at (248) 858-0560. Sabaugh can be reached at (586) 469-7939 and Garrett can be contacted at (313) 224-6262.