NEWS

Recreational pot, gerrymandering proposal on the Michigan ballot

by Catherine Engstrom-Hadley
Staff Writer

Michigan voters came out and shattered voting records in August for this year’s primary election. Over 2.2 million citizens hit the polls, compared to 1.4 million in the 2016 primary. Washtenaw County came in with 97,000 votes, up from nearly 48,000 in 2016. Even with such an influx of voters, only 34 percent of Michigan voters made to this polls this primary.

With political tensions high, Democrats came in with 52 percent of the general vote. Some point to the Democratic “Blue Wave” for the sudden rush of voters. Even so, Republicans showed out in force, with over 48 percent of the general vote.

This November’s election across the country could change our entire political climate. Democrats have an opportunity to regain majority of the House of Representatives. This could prove problematic for the current Republican legislature in progress.

Key Ballot Proposals

With recreational cannabis on the ballot, Democrats hope for a rise in young voters.

According the most recent EPIC-MRA poll, Overall, 61 percent of Michigan residents are in favor of legalizing recreational use. If the proposal becomes bill, recreational use of cannabis will be permitted throughout the state of Michigan. Regulations will mirror those of alcohol, requiring users to be 21 or older.

The ballot will also include a proposal to ban gerrymandering, a political tactic used to manipulate district boundaries in hopes to alter election results in the favor of a particular party. Often unfairly affecting minority voters, many claim the practice of gerrymandering is a violation of voting rights.

If the proposal passes, an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will be established to put an end to gerrymandering. According to the Voters Not Politicians campaign, gerrymandering is a nonpartisan issue: “When politicians choose their voters, our votes don’t matter and our voices aren’t heard.” The organization has raised over 450,000 signatures to support the cause.

To vote in this year’s election, you must be registered to vote by Oct. 9. You can register to vote at any Michigan Secretary of State branch or through WCC’s TurboVote system found via the college’s website. Visit the Secretary of State Website to locate your polling place.