By Joslyn Miller, WILD Program & Events Intern
In this week’s Zine, I’ll be breaking down the Michigan Election and giving you all the information you need to make educated votes on election day!
What: Michigan general elections! This is a major election that will determine major officials in Michigan, such as governor, secretary of state, attorney general, board of trustees at universities, and many more. It also determines other seats that are specific to districts, like local boards and House of Representative seats. (if you don’t know your district or what seats are up for election in your district, click the links!)
When: Election Day is November 8th, 2022 7am-8pm (As long as you are in line by 8pm, you have the right to vote!)
Who: Below is a list of everyone running, their party affiliation, and their website (if they have one), which will often outline the issues they stand for and their platform. Also included are statewide proposals one, two, and three. Unlike the August primary, you do not have to vote a straight ticket in the November election. This means that you have the freedom to vote for whoever you want, regardless of party affiliation. Further, just because you identify with a certain party, make sure that your views align with the specific candidate. You may realize that your interests better align with someone running on different party lines! In order to learn more about a candidate, you can click on their name to be directed to their website!*
*Only candidates with official websites or official business profiles have them linked.
MICHIGAN GOVERNOR
Kevin Hogan (Green Party)
Daryl Simpson (Natural Law Party)
MICHIGAN SECRETARY OF STATE
Larry Hutchinson (Green Party)
MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL
Joseph McHugh (Libertarian Party)
Gerald Van Sickle (U.S. Taxpayer’s Party)
MICHIGAN STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION (Vote for two)
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY TRUSTEE (Vote for two)*
Max Riekse (Libertarian Party)
Robin Laurain (Green Party)
*This vote is extremely important to the MSU community. The Board of Trustees governs and manages the university Given the current situation with the resignation of President Stanley and the ASMSU vote of no confidence in the Board of Trustees, this vote will impact the way that MSU moves forward, as well as set a standard of leadership and accountability.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN REGENT (vote for two)
Sherry Wells (Green Party)
Eric Larson (Libertarian Party)
Kathleen Oakford (Natural Law Party)
Joe Sanger (U.S. Taxpayers Party)
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD (vote for two)
Christa Murphy (Republican Party)
Susan Odgers (Green Party)
Marc Sosnowski (U.S. Taxpayers Party)
MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT JUSTICE (vote for two)
PROPOSAL 22-1
“A proposal to amend the state constitution to require annual public financial disclosure reports by legislators and other state officers and change the state legislature term limit to 12 years total in legislature”
A “yes” vote means you support amending the constitution, requiring financial disclosure and changing the term limit to 12 years in legislature
Why vote yes? This amendment necessitates financial transparency and allows people in office to serve longer terms, which could lead to more commitment and ability to implement change
A “no” vote means not amending the constitution.
Why vote no? This amendment doubles the term limit, which currently sits at six years, allowing people to stay in power longer and allowing those who have termed out to re-run.
PROPOSAL 22-2
“A proposal to amend the state constitution to add provisions regarding elections”
A “yes” vote would support amending the constitution to create nine days of early voting, expanding access to absentee voting, and allowing registered voters without a state ID with them to vote after signing an affidavit attesting to their identity.
Why vote yes? This amendment could make voting more convenient and accessible, especially to rural voters and those that would otherwise have difficulty making it to the polls.
A “no” vote would oppose amending the constitution.
Why vote no? This could limit security and increase costs because the longer the polls are open, the more poll workers will be needed.
PROPOSAL 22-3
“A proposal to amend the state constitution to establish a new individual right to reproductive freedom, including the right to make all decisions about pregnancy and abortion; allow the state to regulate abortion in some cases; and forbid the prosecution of individuals exercising this established right.”
A “yes” vote would support amending the constitution to protect the right to make decisions about all matters relating to pregnancy, including but not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility care.
A “no” vote would oppose the amendment and the right to the above cares.
Where: You can use this link to enter your address and find your polling location https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index
If you are voting absentee, you can request your ballot! All ballot requests have to be received by November 4 at 5pm and need to be sent in/returned to the polling location by November 8 at 8pm. https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/avapplication
Not sure if you’re registered to vote or know that you aren’t? Register in person on election day or click here to check your voter status!
Why: Your vote makes a difference! Participating in the democratic process ensures that the entirety of the community is heard and represented and that elected officials commit to supporting the interests of citizens.
Interested in submitting? Email us at wss@msu.edu