Member Login
2008 Policy Book
First | Previous | Next | Last | 2008 Index | Policy Book Archive#62 ELECTIONS
We believe Michigan Farm Bureau should encourage all members to register to vote. We also believe MFB should expand efforts to provide education and information on elections and supply candidate information to local newspapers.
Campaign reform is overdue and should be established at all levels of government and address all elements of campaigning. We recommend:
- Election projections on Election Day not be released to the public until all polls are closed in the continental United States.
- Clear, concise and simple language be used on all ballot issues.
- All ballots be printed in English only.
- The Michigan Constitution be amended to increase the percentage of voter signatures required to initiate a recall election to 35 percent.
- Recall petitions must contain proven factual basis for the recall before the petition is approved. Anyone petitioning for a recall for other than malfeasance in office be required to post a bond covering the cost of the special recall election. If the recall is successful, the money will be returned to the petitioner. Otherwise, the frivolous recall election will be paid for without cost to the government body.
- Changing the length of term for county commissioners to four years with staggered terms of office.
Term limits have been successful in cycling new people into public service as State legislators. However, we feel the frantic pace at which this turnover occurs is too rapid for these people to amass the required experience to become the leaders we need. Therefore, we recommend extending the number of terms for State Representatives up to 6 two-year terms and State Senators up to 4 four-year terms.
MFB would consider supporting a part-time Legislature, provided other legislative reforms are implemented to maintain a balance of power between the three branches of government. Such reforms might include timeframes for budget approval, greater legislative oversight of state departments and the rules process, and review of the legislative compensation process.
We support the current primary election process.
Special elections accrue high costs for local taxpayers. We support:
- Elected officials not be allowed to pursue a different elected position, unless they are at the end of their current term or resign from their currently held elected position.
- Once a millage for a specified purpose is defeated by voters, it should not be up for another vote for at least one full year.
We oppose:
- Reducing the voter registration deadline to anything less than 30 days before an election.
- Election Day becoming a holiday.
