Voters Face Crowded Ballot In November

When you cast your vote in November, you will not only be electing your State Representative, United States Congressman and Senator, but you will be asked to vote on an increasingly crowded field of initiatives all proposing to amend Michigan’s State Constitution. Money seems to be no object this election cycle as millions of dollars are being spent on paid circulators, soliciting residents for their signatures, paid advertising either supporting or opposing particular proposals, and in legal fees as a number of initiatives face uncertain futures as they remain embroiled in hotly contested legal battles.

Below is a quick description of each ballot proposal and its current status:

1. “Stand Up for Democracy”:

     This referendum is asking voters to either support maintaining the   statutory authority of Public Act 4, 2012, otherwise known as the Emergency Financial Manager law or repeal it.

  **STATUS: Certified to the November 6, 2012 ballot.

 2. “The People Should Decide”:

     This proposal would prohibit the use of state funds or resources for new international bridges or tunnels for motor vehicles unless first determined to be necessary and appropriate by a majority vote of the people. 

  **STATUS: Denied Access to Ballot by the Board of State Canvassers (Action 8/27/12).

3. “Citizens for Affordable Quality Home Care”:

     This proposal would create the Michigan Quality Home Care Council to provide training for in-home care workers. The proposal would also allow in-home care workers to bargain    collectively. 

  **STATUS: Certified to the November 6, 2012 ballot.

4. “Michigan Energy, Michigan Jobs”:

     This proposal would require utilities to obtain at least 25% of electricity from clean, renewable energy sources by 2025; limit how much utilities can charge consumers for the cost of complying with this requirement, and promote  the creation of clean energy jobs.

  **STATUS:  Certified to the November 6, 2012 ballot.

5. “Protect Our Jobs”:

     This proposal would enshrine collective bargaining rights into the State Constitution.

  **STATUS: Seeking a Ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court.

6. “Citizens for More Michigan Jobs”: 

     If adopted, this proposal would allow for the creation of 8 new casinos in the State of Michigan. New locations would include: Detroit, Pontiac, Romulus, Clinton Township, Grand Rapids, Birch Run, Dewitt Township and Clam   Lake Township.

  **STATUS: The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled the proposal onto the November 6, 2012 ballot.

7. “Michigan Alliance for Prosperity”:

     This proposal would require a 2/3 vote of the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, or a statewide vote of the people before any new or additional taxes could be imposed by state government on the residents of Michigan.

  **STATUS:  Denied Access to Ballot by the Board of State Canvassers (Action 8.27/12).