Exploring the pros and cons of Michigan’s November ballot proposals

On election day, voters will consider three ballot measures affecting term limits, voter access and abortion in Michigan.

Michigan Proposal 1 would allow state lawmakers to stay in office for up to 12 years, regardless of the chamber they serve in. It would also require lawmakers and statewide elected officials to provide financial disclosures. Currently, lawmakers can serve up to eight years in the Senate and six years in the House.

Michigan Proposal 2 would allow nine days of early voting prior to elections, and continue to allow registered voters without state ID to sign an affidavit affirming their identity, among other items supporters say would improve access to voting.

Michigan Proposal 3 would allow citizens the right to an abortion, invalidate Michigan’s existing abortion ban from 1931 and preclude elected officials from limiting access to abortions prior to viability.

Voters last faced three ballot proposals in 2018 when residents voted yes on all three.

“We’re looking at some of the same dynamics in 2022 [as in 2018].” — Zach Gorchow, reporter.

Listen: The arguments for and against the three ballot measures facing Michigan voters this November.

Guest

Zach Gorchow is the publisher and executive editor of the Gongwer news service in Lansing. He says the climate reminds him of 2018 when the ballot contained proposals covering recreational marijuana, voting access and the citizens redistricting commission.

“All three of those really struck a gut level chord in people. And none of those three had a very well-coordinated opposition,” says Gorchow. “We’re looking at some of the same dynamics in 2022.”

Photo credit: Joey Cappelletti/AP.