FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
January 24, 2022
Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org
Progress Michigan Earns Petition Victory in Michigan Supreme Court
Michigan’s Top Court Strikes Down Signature Cap and Affidavit requirements for signature gathering efforts
LANSING – After nearly three years of legal battles, Progress Michigan scored a major victory today before the Michigan Supreme Court on their fight against onerous signature gathering requirements in PA 608 of 2018.
“After three years of fighting this battle in court, we’re pleased that the people of Michigan and their right to enact policy at the ballot box won’t be hindered by these unconstitutional restrictions,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. This is a victory for everyone in Michigan who believe in the people’s voice dictating the direction of this state.”
The years long legal battle against PA 608 started in May 2019, was interrupted by the COVID pandemic, and restarted in February 2021. Progress Michigan and other organizations went to court to strike down limitations which would have capped ballot initiative signatures to 15 percent per congressional district and put onerous restrictions on paid circulators.
The Michigan Supreme Court struck down the cap on signatures per Congressional district and an affidavit requirement for paid circulators, but upheld a checkbox requirement for paid circulators.
“It’s important to remember why PA 608 was passed. It was a direct attack on Michiganders’ voice at the ballot box in the wake of historic progress on voting rights and anti-gerrymandering efforts,” Scott continued. “Progress Michigan will continue to stand up against attacks on our democracy and Michiganders’ ability to have our voice heard on the issues that impact our communities.”
“Today is a good day for everyone who values democratic participation in our state,” said Hank Mayers, of Michiganders for Fair and Transparent Elections. “Michiganders have a long tradition of taking ideas on how to improve our state directly to the people and PA 608 sought to significantly complicate and threaten failure for those efforts.”
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