Michigan Board Finalizes Ballot Wording on Campaign Finance Measure

Michigan Ballot Initiative on Campaign Finance Moves Forward

In a critical development for Michigan’s political landscape, a state elections board has finalized the language for a ballot initiative aimed at curbing political contributions from utilities and state contractors. This decision marks a significant step for the Michiganders for Money Out of Politics campaign as it prepares for the upcoming November election.

The proposed ballot measure seeks to impose restrictions on political donations by specific entities, including certain utilities and government contractors. The approval of the ballot wording followed a contentious meeting where both proponents and opponents debated the phrasing that voters will encounter on election day.

Gary Gordon, representing Protect MI Free Speech, voiced concerns about the emphasis on utilities in the ballot description. He argued, “I think focusing on that is the sexy part of the statute and that’s going to attract people and their attention, and I think that creates bias in favor of the proposal.” Gordon suggested that the language should be more generalized to avoid any perceived bias.

Conversely, supporters of the measure advocated for language that closely aligns with the petition that garnered voter signatures. The finalized wording has been slightly expanded to also mention government contractors, a move welcomed by campaign supporters.

Christy McGillivray, co-chair of the campaign steering committee, expressed satisfaction with the board’s decision. “All the Michiganders that worked so hard to get this on the ballot are going to recognize exactly what they worked to get so many people signed up for,” McGillivray stated. She emphasized the campaign’s readiness to combat “pay-to-play politics and the out-of-control political spending in Lansing” as the vote approaches.

Unless state legislators decide to enact the measure independently, Michigan voters will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on this initiative in the upcoming November election.

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