Question 1): Livingston County Republicans pioneered the use of a product called Association Voting to hold their county conventions electronically. The Ingham County GOP followed up and has had great success using the product, reportedly needing only 10 minutes to get a result — not all day, which has been the norm in past state and county conventions.
Association Voting uses the individual’s own cell phone. Who does not have a personal cell phone? For the very few without cell phones, a loaner iPad could be used, possibly supplied by the party moguls running the conclave.
Peter Manina, a longtime precinct and state convention delegate from Eaton County, observes that during his two decades in Republican politics, the party has arbitrarily reduced the number of precinct delegates and apportionment to the state convention. In a remotely administered, electronic vote, what stops the party from allowing everyone who is a precinct delegate to also vote in the state convention? Far more voices could be represented, he argues, rather than the paltry two thousand in regular attendance — and that would be a good thing.
Manina, a Michigan Tech alumnus and computer specialist, says he has never seen the Upper Peninsula or northern Lower Michigan send full slates of delegates to a state convention. Manina contends it’s not because they don’t try but because they reasonably can’t. The would-be participants cannot afford the time or expense to attend. The final insult is that even accredited delegates must sit through hours of unnecessary resolutions and slate battles, such as which faction should represent a particular district. The Michigan GOP has never held a state convention north of Flint. Even living near Lansing, Manina says it costs him a day from work and a hotel stay to attend a two-day state convention in Grand Rapids, Flint, or Detroit. He has sat through county conventions where new precinct delegates that the the party worked hard to recruit — such as young first-time voters,, minorities, parents, and business owners — find it inconvenient or too expensive to attend.
The state convention voice has become polarized and co-opted by special interests not representative of the broader interests of Michigan Republicans. Worse, Manina claims state conventions have become the playground for consultants peddling their idea of what grassroots is, while collecting outrageous fees off donor money. This must change, he says.
Other critics of the current, traditional system of administrating county conventions argue that it’s time to recognize that it’s the 21st Century and that the GOP should hold any 2026 Republican state convention — be it an “endorsement” conclave or the Fall State Convention required by law — ideally in the evening, on a weekday, electronically, distributed locally, to maximize every precinct delegate’s chance to vote. That would ensure that, whatever platform is used, the voting runs smoothly, and the results are reported quickly.
These reformers argue that such an innovation would give every Michigan Republican a reasonable ability to have his or her voice heard. This would break the hold of special interests and consultants over the party, they say. Make candidates fight for every Republican precinct delegate and Michigan region. If they are willing to put their names on the Republican primary ballot next August (or back in 2024), they should have a real say who the party’s next nominees are for Attorney General, Secretary of State, the state Supreme Court, or the eight state education board seats.
So, how likely is this seemingly radical proposal to happen?
Answer 1): It may seem like common sense, but it won’t happen, at least next year, if ever. It scares the living bejeezus out of Michigan GOP leaders, who argue “Be careful what you wish for” because the vastly expanded electorate this innovation would lead to would yield a vast sea of unknown delegates (and votes) that the party couldn’t control. Instead of some 2,000 delegates who would be largely known quantities who had participated just two or four years earlier, there would be thousands more ‘strangers’ to the process who might veer off in a wild, unpredictable direction and nominate candidates who state and district and county leaders couldn’t monitor and supervise. Of course, it could be argued that these same “leaders” did a terrible job of nominating candidate four years ago and that the uncontrollable mob of new delegates spawned by remote electronic voting could hardly do worse than the “bosses” did in 2022. But these bosses think that they won’t make such a mistake again and now have everything under control and don’t need any unsolicited help from faceless foot-soldiers.
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1) Does an endorsement convention constitute an “election” within the meaning of
the Michigan Campaign Finance Act, thereby subjecting candidates for
endorsement to the act’s reporting, disclosure, and contribution requirements?
2) Are delegates to an endorsement convention required to file any disclosure or
reporting statements with the Department of State if they receive contributions
or expend funds in furtherance of their candidacy to be a delegate or in the
performance of their duties and responsibilities as a delegate?
3) May a political party restrict the eligibility of a person who has not been
“endorsed” at an endorsement convention from seeking nomination at the post-
primary state convention mandated under Mich. Const. art. V, § 21 and MCL
168.72?
Lennox adds this: “Given that numerous individuals have publicly declared their intent to seek nomination for offices filled through the post-primary state convention process, and that the endorsement conventions of the respective major political parties are imminent, I respectfully request expedited consideration of this matter and prompt issuance of a declaratory ruling or interpretive statement to provide clarity and legal certainty to all affected parties.”
The law governing requests such as Lennox’s says, in part, that ” … the secretary of state shall issue a declaratory ruling not later than 60 business days after receiving a request for a declaratory ruling. The Secretary of State may refuse to issue a declaratory ruling or an interpretive statement under this act if the request is anonymous, the Secretary of State determines that the subject matter of the request is frivolous on its face, or the request is indefinite or lacks specificity. If the Secretary of State refuses to issue a declaratory ruling, the Secretary of State shall notify the person making the request of the reasons for the refusal and issue an interpretive statement providing an informational response to the question presented within the 60-day period … ”
So, how likely is it that Benson will issue a declaratory ruling, and, if she does, how soon? Or will it be an interpretive statement? And how likely is it that Benson delivers a ruling that will satisfy Lennox?
Answer 2): Lennox is likely doomed to disappointment on all three counts. Benson, who herself was the recipient of an endorsement by the Michigan Democratic Party for nomination to the office of Secretary of State in both 2018 and 2022, will certainly refuse to issue a declaratory ruling on Lennox’s questions, but she must and will issue an interpretive statement that will be signed by an underling, not her, which is not binding on the Secretary of State. She might even drag out her response well past the 60-day deadline, but there is no penalty for that — much like the Legislature’s abrogation of its own law saying that a budget for the next fiscal year must be passed by July 1. However, she probably won’t do that. Benson is now running for governor and she certainly doesn’t want to hamstring her own party as it continues to profit from its successes in holding endorsement conventions. Look for Benson to issue an interpretive statement sometime short of this coming Christmas that will deny Lennox everything he seeks.
Of course, he could then take Benson to court.
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In 2020 the Michigan Republicans held a state convention virtually due to COVID concerns.
I attended as an alternate state convention delegate, and delegates voted electronically:
(A) a positive aspect is that delegate attendance rose dramatically – it was actually the first time in my years as a state convention delegate I did not vote as I was not elevated to voting status as an alternate due to the large number of regular state convention delegates that appeared virtually;
(B) a negative aspect was the fact that most delegates wanted to interact with other delegates and party leaders and this was impossible if we meet virtually;
(C) another positive factor would be that the delegates are saving transportation and/or hotel costs by staying home and voting virtually.
A better perspective would be to advance a hybrid convention where a delegate would have their choice of attending virtually or in person.
I attended the infamous 2022 Macomb County Convention in Shelby Township where police were called in and the event made national news. A delegate sitting in front of me activated an air horn to drown out speakers he did not like and the event descended into chaos with all types of disruptive behavior displayed..
In a later Macomb Republican Party convention police actually attended BEFORE the event began and stood along the rear wall to deter disorderly behavior – and it worked. Two squad cars were parked in front of the building entrance.
I also would foresee some delegates screaming foul contending electronic voting invites cheating.
No conventions are or will be perfect………………….
Thank you for your comment, Mark.
With Party is now talking about a $50 dollar fee to attend the upcoming convention. In Iowa, their caucus system can cost over $200 dollars in fees. I would to suggest this as a low-cost, no cost solution for delegates to have voting.
I like the idea of a Hybrid Convention. I will have to remember it.
Perhaps with a larger base, we could also have more tradition conventions with speakers, workshops, and vendors. These could be paid into by those so inclined. I admit, I do like the parties.
–Peter
I served in the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly and we began meeting virtually in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.
When we began meeting again in person in 2022 we gave Assembly members an option to appear in person or to continue virtually and we were about evenly split between those who wished to appear virtually and those who appeared in person.
We later debated on whether or not to proceed virtually in the future, return to mandating in-person appearances, or try a hybrid system. I had argued that we had many Assembly seat vacancies in northern Michigan – especially the Upper Peninsula due to the extreme distance from meetings – and that permitting virtual attendance would increase participation of lawyers in those remote areas.
We adopted the hybrid system and in my opinion it has served the Assembly well. The Michigan Republican Convention organizers need to follow the SBM example as well.
Mark,
I am glad for your insights. I will remember and maybe something will come out of it. Sadly, Bill is right when he says I am a faceless foot soldier. I will look you up at SBM or Chamber events if you are around.
Cheers,
Peter
Nope!
Paper ballots for thee, not for me.
Interesting article, Bill. And a bit thought provoking for an individual as “gifted” with all this computer technology like I am.
QUESTION 1: I suspect that Mr. Manina is correct. This is the wave of the future no matter how hard I yell “Back to the 1950s!”. Attendance will go up. As for the likelihood that the whole thing could go off the rails, the last few GOP conventions have posed questions about how they’ve been doing business, so what they’ve been doing has not been a stellar success. Even back in the old days of John Engler, he could not control the delegates when it came time to nominate folks. If the GOP “establishment” wants control, then they need to do what I said a while back in TBR and that is line up your candidates for delegate and get them elected. Even if it means spending some time and money, and political face time with people. The only question Mr. Manina has not answered is will they or not. But if will save the GOP money, I would put my money on it. And I am not even an NBA player or coach.
QUESTION 2: I can understand Mr. Lennox’s dislike for nominating conventions, but the success the Democrats have had with them undercuts his argument. Unless he likes losing. You’re right on what Benson will do and given the make up of the State’s highest court, a product of the aforementioned nominating conventions that enabled them to begin campaigning, his success in the courtroom I suspect will only be making his lawyer a bit wealthier. Not that I’m being cynical or anything like that.
REMEMBER NEXT WEEKEND IS THE TIME TO “FALL BACK” SO YOU CAN REACQUIRE (sort of) THAT HOUR OF SLEEP THEY TOOK AWAY WITH DST.
Thank you for your comment and question, Tim.
As with anything new there will be startup costs. The Party is now talking about a $50 dollar fee to attend the upcoming convention. In Iowa, their caucus system can cost over $200 dollars in fees. I would to suggest this as a low-cost, no cost solution for delegates to have voting. –Peter
“The state convention voice has become polarized and co-opted by special interests not representative of the broader interests of Michigan Republicans“ Bill Ballenger
I favor an in-person State Republican Convention
I want to thank Bill Ballenger for giving my idea a voice. In the open, we can have a discussion.
@Tim Sullivan: Republicans tried an endorsement convention in 2022. It was a disaster for the party. It also gave rise to Karamo. The party can’t afford to do one convention, let alone two. I do like the idea of expanding the pool of delegates. I’ve never understood why we have these conventions when we don’t have party registration in Michigan. They would make sense if Michigan had party registration. But we don’t. We’re largely an independent, ticket-splitting state.
Thank you for your comment, Nick.
Part of this was accepting the present system cannot be changed without a constitutional amendment.
However, the other side neither forgives or forgets. To sign-up as Precinct Delegate is to register by other means. This is why I do not fear filling our ranks.
–Peter
Bill, I feel the need to urge your Republican TBR participants to NOT go digital come convention time(s).
wrt Q#1 & #2: Ya’ll do NOT want to go electronic. Not using the old trope that folks just don’t like change, how about the possibility that maybe they just don’t want – well, you know – RIF-RAF – like me – joining their pristine ranks. Far be it for the lower elements, if you catch my drift, like me, actually having direct unfettered access to the internal machinations, and votes, of the party elite.
After all, flat-worlders, like me, hold tenaciously to the belief that even the heralded “doner class”, Mr Sullivan teaches us about, puts their pants on one leg at a time. Any upper classer knows this is not true.
But if any of your readers happens to be so bold as to publish just how they take a run and jump at their pants and get both legs in at the same time, I’d like to know. I’d actually try it sometime . . . quietly of course.
Keep up the good work, Bill.
“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matt 18:4 Niv
From Merriam-Webster:
convention – noun
2
a, :the summoning or convening of an assembly
b. an assembly of persons met for a common purpose
[especially : a meeting of the delegates of a political party for the purpose of formulating a platform and selecting candidates for office]
The Democrats wrecked their political conventions with total, banal scripting by their powers on high. No one pays any attention to a Democratic convention anymore, at any level.
Now the Republicans consider removing “convene” from convention, eliminating the schmoozing which is the key attraction to the faithful.
The donor class has only itself to blame for their precarious grip on the Michigan Republican faithful. Instead of attending conventions and making their cases in person, they send in dubious political operatives who are expressing obviously well remunerated insincerities.
Thank you for your comment, 10x24mm,
Perhaps with a larger base, we could also have more tradition conventions with speakers, workshops, and vendors. These could be paid into by those so inclined. I admit, I do like the parties.
With the Party is now talking about a $50 dollar fee to attend the upcoming convention. In Iowa, their caucus system can cost over $200 dollars in fees. I would to suggest this as a low-cost, no cost solution for delegates to have voting.
I assure you, I am as Bill describes me, a faceless footsoldier. I welcome any sponsorship.
–Peter
@10x25mm, could you elaborate on your donor class comment? I’ve heard some general antipathy toward folks like the Devoses but nothing very specific. As a young activist who appreciates their support of the Heritage Foundation, I’m curious what the history is.
Thanks!
The DeVos extended family has traditionally held vast power in the GOP due to their large campaign donations. I have seen some as much as $2.5 million to the Michigan GOP to help finance its organization and operation in one single donation.
The Federal Election Commission and Michigan Secretary of State Bureau of Elections has – last time I checked – recorded 2,700 discrete donations by individuals of the DeVos family. These donations aggregately run into the tens of millions of dollars and can tip the balance in GOP primary elections and the general elections in favor of the nominee.
The politics of the DeVos clan has been perceived as very conservative and populists within the GOP have generally been critical and antagonistic toward their interests. Other GOP leaders view their donations as an integral aspect of Republican operations. These leaders point to the 2022 election cycle fiasco as to what happens with MIGOP when their money is not donated. Kristina Karamo was critical of the donor class and based her support on that credo.
Beside the DeVos family their have been others that have made major donations to MIGOP and pro-Republican political action committees in Michigan. They include Ron Weiser and Sheldon Adelson – that’s right the Nevada native and his wife had donated millions in Michigan via PAC channels.
The debate continues whether the “donor class” of Michigan conservatives are a boon or a hindrance to the MIGOP and the Republican cause in general.
Frankly, political conventions need to move into the 21st Century.
The disaster that occurred in August of 2024 at the Michigan Democratic Party convention became a statewide embarrassment and eventual legal action taken against the state party by several dissenting individuals.
State Democratic leaders later “stacked the deck” by ensuring via rigorous procedural red tape that only the candidate anointed by the inner circle of party insiders could succeed Lavora Barnes and the state party chairperson. Barnes was perceived as a respected moderate who yielded generally favorable results as the state party chairwoman. Her leadership is generally credited with the Democratic successes at the state level during the 2022 election cycle.
Barnes’ successor chosen at the state Democratic convention in Detroit in 2025 at the Marriott Hotel was the famous Curtis Hertel, Jr. – there was no contested ballot as the one candidate that tried to get on the ballot did not qualify due to red tape. State convention delegates received annoying text messages prior to the convention by Governor Whitmer trumpeting her endorsement of Hertel.
Down the street at the Hunting Center, GOP state convention delegates actually had a contested convention and had three candidates to choose from for the successor of Pete Hoekstra – and picked James Runestadt.
Overall, we need more democracy and electronic attendance at our state conventions in Michigan.
In general, I agree with you wrt electronic (or possibly hybrid) attendance. But do you have any confidence this process won’t devolve into Dem Convention lite? Given the vehemence just the mention of Karamo/Deperno et al, as well as, at times the Appropriations Vice Chair Matt Maddock and his wife can receive, I’m not confident. All while the donor class play 20 guesses who we want next.
I have no idea the gambit Runestad and Nesbitt are playing by pushing back on every facet of negotiations while Speaker Hall is playing nice-nice with Gov Whitmer. Trying to let the Senate Democrats climb back into her good graces?
Although only Bill Ballenger knows for sure, in the meantime, your guess is better than mine.
I was present at both the Feb. 2022 and Feb. 2025 MIGOP conventions.
The Feb.2022 convention was one of the most disorganized and contentious in the history of MIGOP and resulted in Kristina Karamo as “the last woman standing”. This convention was the first real election where the populist wing of the party got their candidate they wanted. She is a nice person however she had little experience and her tenure as MIGOP chair was met with virtual anarchy and court proceedings.
Feb. of 2025 was – albeit contested – one of the most upbeat and cordial convention events I ever attended – and the populist wing was knocked off by Jim Runestad. The populist wing of MAGA admirers was led by Meshawn Maddock.
The donor class would characterize that chairmanship vote as a return to organizational sanity in the MIGOP.
Placing an electronic vote requirement upon MAGA fanatics would lessen their influence in conventions.
Manuela,
In the spirit of Lech Wałęsa who I saw two weeks back. Come here, take any ideas you find useful, and make them yours.
–Peter