News, Culture and NPR for Central & Northern Michigan

Changes to state's ballot petition process pass committee

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A controversial bill restricting the ballot petition process is moving forward.

The Senate Election committee approved the bill Wednesday.  Among other things, the bill would put a 15% cap on the percentage of petition signatures that could come from a single Congressional district.

That provision has angered groups across the political spectrum.

Ed Rivet has overseen several anti-abortion petition drives in Michigan.

“I do believe that is a disenfranchisement, I just don't think our voices should be silenced within a district.”

The constitutionality of the petition changes is also being questioned. 

Republican senators say they would consider amendments to the bill, but declined to say what those changes could be.

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Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005.