Michigan proposals: Voters restrict campaign contributions
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Michigan voters have approved Proposal 2, the Associated Press projects, restricting campaign contributions from major utilities and government contractors.
Why it matters: The measure marks a major change to Michigan's campaign finance laws, restricting political contributions from some of the state's most powerful companies.
The big picture: The measure will bar regulated utilities such as DTE and Consumers Energy, along with certain government contractors and their affiliates, from making campaign contributions to candidates and officeholders whose positions affect them.
- It will also expand campaign finance disclosure requirements to more political advertising, including online ads.
Supporters argued the measure would curb the political influence of corporations and bring greater transparency to campaign spending.
Opponents warned the restrictions would infringe on free speech and political participation.
What's next: The Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a nonprofit supporting limited government, immediately filed a federal lawsuit to block Proposal 2's provisions from being enforced.
- The center argues the proposal's changes violate the First Amendment by regulating speech and violating privacy.
Proposal 1 fails
Meanwhile, Michigan voters decided not to hold a statewide constitutional convention, the Associated Press projects.
Context: A "yes" vote on Proposal 1 would have meant revising the state constitution.
- If it had succeeded, delegates would have been elected and met in 2027 to update the constitution.
- The proposal automatically goes on the ballot every 16 years.
Opponents of the convention proposal included Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Detroit Regional Chamber, Republican former attorney general Bill Schuette and the progressive Working Families Party.
- They feared it would bring drastic, chaotic changes that could have benefited special interests.
Supporters saw it as a way to drive progress in slow-moving Lansing. They included Republican House Speaker Matt Hall.