Michigan Capitol
After an election that saw Michigan voters approve citizen-led proposals to legalize pot, end gerrymandering, and expand voting rights, the Republican-led Legislature has passed a bill that would make it far more difficult for such initiatives to make it onto the ballot.
According to media outlets, the measure heading to Gov. Rick Snyder requires that no more than 15 percent of petition signatures come from any one congressional district. It would also require paid gatherers to register with the secretary of state.
Michigan Advance writes:
State Sen. Steve Bieda, D-Warren, rose to give his “no” vote explanation. . . . He said that the “foundation of democracy” is that voters have elected officials who represent their interests, but when lawmakers don’t, “Surely there should be a way for to make voices heard.”
Critics also argue the bill hurts Michigan’s population bases in cities and suburbs, which tend to be both more ethnically diverse and Democratic strongholds.
Business interest groups have pushed for the legislation, saying they believe it will cut down on fraud. Many of those groups have opposed recent ballot proposals.
A broad coalition of groups opposing the bill hails from both sides of the ideological spectrum. That includes Right to Life of Michigan to American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Michigan chapter, various unions and the Sierra Club.
When the bill passed the ever-so-gerrymandered Senate overnight, just one Republican — Tory Rocca of Sterling Heights — broke with his party to oppose it.
