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Board of State Canvassers Deadlocks on Whether Referendum Goes to Ballot

jdurham
/
morgueFile

The state Court of Appeals appears to be next stop for the petition campaign to reverse Michigan’s emergency manager law. A bipartisan state elections panel deadlocked on whether the question should go on the ballot, or if it should be kept off on a technicality.

People stood and yelled in anger once the two Republicans on the bipartisan Board of State Canvassers voted to keep the referendum off the November ballot. 

“Shame on you! Shame! Shame!....”

The Republicans say they have questions on whether the petitions were printed in the proper font size. The two Democrats on the board voted to put the referendum on the ballot.

Herb Sanders is the attorney for the petition drive. He says a lawsuit should be filed with the state Court of Appeals by the end of next week.

“So we’re going to keep this fight until justice rains down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream," he says. "We’ll see you in court.”

The election board’s inaction means the status of the four cities and two school districts being run by state-appointed emergency managers remains unchanged. If the referendum is put on the ballot by a court, the law is automatically suspended.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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