Two citizens initiatives have been stopped from being placed on the November general election ballot after the Board of State Canvassers deadlocked on the vote to certify them. The first initiative by Promote the Vote would expand early voting, allow voting without an ID if a voter signs an affidavit, among other reforms. The second initiative by Reproductive Freedom for All most notably amends the constitution to allow for abortion in the state, among other health care reforms.
The Bureau of Elections found that both initiatives received more than the necessary 425,000 required signatures, thus recommended certification. However, the two Republican members of the board voted against the Reproductive Freedom for All proposal due to formatting issues and against the Promote the Vote proposal due to what they believe is a lack of properly stating it would alter or nullify parts of the state constitution. Both groups have stated they plan to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court. A quick ruling will be requested as ballots are slated to be finalized on September 9.
The Board of State Canvassers was created by the State Constitution of 1850. The four-member board is tasked with canvassing and certifying statewide elections, conducting recounts for state-level offices, canvassing state-level ballot proposal petitions, amongst other duties.
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