The state cannot restrict the number of signatures a ballot initiative can get from a single Congressional district.
That is part of the ruling out of the Court of Claims Friday. Several groups – including the League of Women Voters and the Republican-led state House and Senate - sued the Secretary of State, though hoping for different outcomes. This is over a law signed last year that adds restrictions to how people can get signatures for ballot initiatives.
Mark Brewer is an attorney with The League of Women Voters.
“I think it’s a great victory. It is a great victory for the voters of this state, for access to the ballot, for the right to petition,” Brewer said.
The court also ruled that a provision requiring petition circulators to check a box on their petition sheets indicating whether they are paid or not is unconstitutional. But the judge did uphold other provisions of the law. Brewer said the League is not sure yet if it will appeal the decision.
Attorney General Dana Nessel had previously issued an opinion saying that portions of the law – including the signature cap requirement – were unconstitutional.
“As we’ve said previously, both the Michigan Constitution and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protect Michigan citizens’ right to amend our laws or state constitution through direct citizen petitions,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s spokesman, Shawn Starkey. “We are glad that today’s ruling upheld key portions of the attorney general’s opinion. As directed by the judge, we will continue to follow the guidelines of the entire attorney general’s opinion while the expected appeals proceed through court.”
Supporters of the original law say it ensures that people from all over the state are a part of ballot proposals and increases transparency.
The Republican-led state House and Senate were plaintiffs in the case – they wanted the entire law upheld. But the judge also said that they could not be a part of the case anymore because they lack standing.
A spokeswoman for the state Senate says the body will likely appeal.
