On WestSouthwest, we examine ballot issues, both the political implications and the process for getting initiatives before voters in Michigan.
At least one issue will be on the ballot in Michigan this fall - a proposal to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. But others, including one to change how legislative districts are drawn, could be decided in November. Western Michigan University Political Science Professor John Clark discusses how, in some cases, ballot issues can impact other races.
How those initiatives get on the ballot is the subject of a new blog post from Citizens Research Council of Michigan president Eric Lupher. He says Michigan's "laissez-faire" system of proposing ballot proposals does not serve its citizens well. Lupher says Michigan should look at how other states review initiatives before signatures are collected.
