Ballot Issues

Marijuana shops, approved by voters, now face regulatory gauntlet

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Capital News Service

LANSING —  Possessing and growing large quantities of recreational marijuana is now legal under a ballot proposal passed by voters in November. But buying and selling even the smallest amount isn’t. That may sound confusing, and some law enforcement officials worry this distinction will create a perfect storm for a growing black market this year. Until a licensing and regulatory process is finalized for retail shops — a complicated dance between state and local governments that’s now entering its second decade for medical marijuana — recreational users are in limbo with no legal means of purchasing their pot. Yet the black market will remain a problem even after retail regulations are finalized, said executive director Robert Stevenson of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

A role of stickers for voters sit on a table at a voting precinct in Delhi Township.
News

Michigan youth vote dipped in 2016, but might have surged in 2018

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The 2016 presidential election was a polarizing time for the country, and Michigan was no exception. Donald Trump won Michigan by 0.3 percent, taking the presidency with him by a margin of fewer than 10,000 votes, according to the New York Times. In contrast, Barack Obama won Michigan by 9.5 percent in 2012, netting roughly 450,000 more votes than his runner-up. MLive attributes this swing, at least partially, to voter turnout: More people voted in terms of raw numbers, but fewer voters turned out in traditionally Democratic counties. While partisan shifts are apparent in results, changing participation among Michigan’s voter demographics could provide more insight into the state’s level of civic participation and how it ranks alongside the Midwest and the rest of the country.

Ballot Issues

Voters wanted for redistricting – in 2020

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By JEREMY WAHR
Capital News Service

LANSING– Want to determine the future of Michigan’s representation in Lansing and Washington? You have until June of 2020 to volunteer to serve on the state’s new redistricting commission that voters approved Nov. 6. The commission members will be selected randomly, said Elizabeth Battiste, an account executive at Martin Waymire, a public relations firm that represented the group that pushed for Proposal 2. Applications will be sent to 10,000 registered voters from diverse geographic and ethnic backgrounds.

Ballot Issues

Joe Biden makes an appearance in Lansing before election

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The Democratic rally got started an hour and a half late, but local residents patiently awaited Former Vice President Joe Biden’s arrival. “It’s been a rough couple of months,” Biden said. “Folks, we’ve gotta turn this around”. Democrats Gretchen Whitmer and Elissa Slotkin were among the candidates attending the rally at Lansing Community College. “I am running because it is time for a new generations of leaders,” Slotkin said.

Ballot Issues

Watch Focal Point: Special Election Coverage

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On this special election episode of Focal Point News, we break down everything leading up one of the most anticipated midterm election in years. From campaign trails to ballot proposals, Focal Point dissects each candidate, their values and what they would bring to Michigan’s leadership. The state was star-studded the weeks leading up to the election with appearances from past and present government officials including Vice President Mike Pence and former President Barack Obama. Some of the proposals on the ballot this year revolved around gerrymandering, the legalization of recreational marijuana and easier voting registration. All this and more on this election edition of Focal Point News.

Michigan Elections

Anti-gerrymandering effort appears headed for passage

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Michigan appears headed toward a new process to draw political boundaries in the state. Proposal 2 would create an independent commission to draw districts for Michigan legislative and congressional offices. Proponents for the measure said the state had fallen victim to gerrymandering, a process by which voting districts are drawn in a way that secures seats for incumbents and their party.

News

Young voters determined to have their say in 2018

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Young voters in East Lansing are determined to play their part in changing the American political climate, partly in response to the election of Donald Trump in 2016. This was one of the major themes that emerged in a series of interviews with voters on the Michigan State campus Tuesday.