Ballot Issues
Meridian Township residents weigh mail-in voting pros, cons
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This story is about how voters are feeling about their votes, and if they are having doubts about their ballots being properly collected mainly via mail.
MI First Election 2020
Voters could amend state constitution to protect data privacy
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Michigan voters in November will be asked whether to amend the state constitution to require government and law enforcement officials have a search warrant to access a person’s electronic data or electronic communications.
Article
Township officials upset about mailing absentee ballots out late
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Meridian Township Board members blasted the township’s clerk at its most recent meeting for mailing absentee ballots out late. The rest of the agenda included updates on the new marihuana dispensaries and Michigan State University’s solar panel project.
Ballot Issues
Absentee ballots are in high demand in Williamston
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The consolidation of precincts
The Bureau of Elections offered the option of consolidating two precincts into one to allow for the creation of an AV Counting Board. The consolidation would free up one of the tabulators to be able to have an AV Counting Board at no cost. City Clerk of Williamston Holly Thompson also mentioned how a mass mailing was sent out to citizens of Williamston, offering the option to be placed on a permanent AV list to “vote from home” which, she added, has been positively received by the community.
The new consolidation of one precinct (via city of Williamston website). “I do feel the option of ‘no reason AV voting’ will increase voting participation by reminding voters there is an upcoming election and getting the ballots directly into their hands,” Thompson said when asked if voting participation will change. With people living very busy lives, voting from home ensures one to have plenty of time to vote and get in the ballot before the deadline.
Proposal 18-3 allowed anyone to vote no matter the reason. The impact on local residents
Even from a non-elected officials’ point of view, the ballots are a big deal.
News
No-excuse absentee voting faces its first primary election
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On March 10, 15 Democrats and four Republicans will be on the presidential primary election ballot. With Michigan’s new voting laws approved in November 2018, it is easier than ever to vote. Michigan now allows registered voters to request absentee ballots from their local or city clerks’ office without giving an excuse. According to the Secretary of State’s office, applications for an absentee ballot must be filled out in writing. The deadline to request a mailed absentee ballot is 5 p.m. March 6.
Ballot Issues
WATCH: President Trump’s Impeachment Acquittal, Turkey Plane Crash, and the Super Bowl Parade
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President Trump spoke at the White House following his impeachment acquittal. He stated it was hard to like those who voted to impeach him and praised his supporters. House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi expressed her concerns on the President. In Turkey, a plane crash took the lives of three people and injured 180 more. The crash is being investigated and new information has yet to be released.
Ballot Issues
Supreme Court rejects redistricting in Michigan
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The Supreme Court has rejected a ruling that would have required district lines to be redrawn in Michigan. In April, three federal judges, including two from Michigan and one from the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, ruled the current lines are drawn unconstitutionally to benefit the G.O.P. before the 2020 election. They said it suppressed Democratic voters. Two months later, the Supreme Court voted 5-4 they have no place to determine partisan gerrymandering cases. On October 21st, they dismissed the case entirely.
Article
No-reason absentee and same-day voting could create logjam
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The introduction of no-reason absentee ballot voting for Michigan residents promises big changes in elections, and it may also lead to new problems for election officials.
Ballot Issues
Hash Bash celebrates marijuana legalization in Michigan
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The 48th annual Hash Bash took place in Ann Arbor on April 6th. The event which has served as a call for freedom for the past two decades was re-shaped by the passing of Proposition 1 in November.
Agriculture
Watch Focal Point: A tornado destroys nearly 70 homes in Michigan, an MSU college ranks high once again, Spartan basketball plays in Big Ten tournament, a Michigan local stars on American Idol, and more
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On this edition of Focal Point, New Zealand mourns deaths from the mass shooting, we touch on a new bill that enforces stricter driving laws. Also, get an overview of the college admissions scandal that involves Hollywood actors and actresses. In sports, we take you to the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago, and Cassius Winston got Big Ten Player of the Year. In entertainment, a Dansville native auditioned for a national singing competition. These stories and more on this week’s edition of Focal Point.