Michigan would eliminate February elections under legislation approved Thursday by the Michigan House, limiting local and statewide elections to three dates a year. Supporters say optional February elections often feature single-issue ballot questions on school millages or bonds but are marked by low voter turnout. “This is pro-taxpayer and good government legislation,” Rep. Lisa Lyons, R-Alto, said in a statement. “…It just makes sense that questions of increased taxes or fees are posed in elections when more voters participate.”
The six-bill package passed the House by fairly wide margins — a main proposal advanced to the Senate in a 93-17 vote — but Rep. Jon Hoadley spoke out against the election elimination plan in a floor speech.
“We literally just became the Legislature that took away a voting opportunity for residents,” Hoadley, D-Kalamazoo, said after session.
If turnout is low in February, Hoadley argued that the Legislature should focus on ways to increase voter turnout rather than simply eliminate an optional election date for local governments. In committee, he highlighted options including election-day or online registration and early voting.
Full Article: Michigan House votes to end February elections | MLive.com.