LANSING, STATE CAPITOL:
Another unintended consequence of Coronavirus, and nobody is paying attention.
If not, somebody must have tipped off some of the candidates that help is on the way. Otherwise, they would be screaming for action.But, so far, crickets.
- Governor
- US Senate
- Congress
- Judicial offices (other than incumbents in any office, and candidates for Supreme Court)
Something also will have to be done for third parties and independent candidates, or else certainly the federal courts will be brought into action.
Stay tuned!
Good point Bill!
YIKES ! How about not filling the positions for 1 Year ? Except by appointment ?
Now you’re talking . Great point Bill.
Spot-on as always!
Excellent point. And the same challenge faces ballot proposal committees. Gathering 500,000 or more signatures in 180 days to get on the ballot is incredibly challenging even under the most favorable circumstances. The Legislature which, admittedly, is not fond of direct democracy should 1) expand the 180-day limit and 2) make provisions for signing petitions online.
During this extraordinary time, Mr. Ballenger makes an important point regarding upcoming elections, but his statement, “Under Michigan law, the only candidates who cannot get on the ballot by paying a filing fee are Governor, U.S. Senate, Congress and some Judicial offices,” is not exactly true. According to Act 116 of 1954. CHAPTER XIV. SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ELECTIONS, “(8) Instead of filing nominating petitions, a candidate for school board member may pay a nonrefundable filing fee of $100.00 to the school district filing official. If this fee is paid by the due date for a nominating petition, the payment has the same effect under this section as the filing of a nominating petition.”
The positions Mr. Ballenger noted ONLY have the choice to file petitions. Most all other candidates have the option to pay a filing fee instead, just like the candidates/section you referenced.
For judicial candidates, HB5609 was submitted earlier this month to allow those judicial candidates to pay a non-refundable filing fee in lieu of filing nominating petitions.
Glad I am already filed and on ballot 54 state house. Mi house and senate can fill with filling fee same with county commissioner for washtenaw county.