Originally published 10.26.22

Three polarizing issues will be gracing the backs of Michigan ballots on Tuesday, Nov. 8: term limit and candidate financial disclosure reform, election reform and establishing the right to reproductive freedom and family planning.

In 2020, more than 500,000 Michigan voters didn’t flip their ballots over to vote on the ballot proposals. With mid-term elections having historically lower turn outs than presidential year elections, it seems fitting to promote these proposals and explain what they mean.

Prop 22-1 does two main things. First and foremost, it would require the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general and state legislators to produce an annual public financial disclosure report. These reports would include things like their income, assets, liabilities, reimbursements, gifts, future employment agreements and more. It was also specifically stated in the proposal that although legislators would be responsible for implementing these requirements, they could not limit or restrict them.

The other half of 22-1 adjusts the way term limits are structured. Currently, a person is eligible to serve for six years in the State House and eight years in the State Senate. If this proposal is adopted, this would be amended so that a person could serve in either chamber for a combined total of 12 years. The vote is as simple as if you’d like to adopt these new rules.