As your palms start sweating and you read the same sentence over and over again, the only thing running through your head is, “What the heck does this even mean?”
Now, I don’t know about you, but that’s the last thing I want to be thinking when I enter the voter both on Election Day.
If you’ve been keeping up with my series of political columns, you would understand the importance of knowing exactly who and what you plan to vote for.
I’ve talked about the presidential candidates, the local lawmakers and the on-going televised debates. To take this topic one step further, I have continued my journey in preparing myself about this impactful decision.
On Tuesday, Nov. 6, you’ll see a section on the ballot that you’ll be thankful you educated yourself on it now. It’s the section that will include the proposals. To give you an idea of what these proposals entail, I thought I would share some of my findings.
Proposal 1 – The Emergency Manager Law
If Michigan voters say “yes” to this proposal, it will authorize the governor
to appoint an Emergency Manager to make decisions in financially troubled communities. This will give non-elected appointees the authority to modify laws and contracts passed by locally elected officials.
Proposal 2 – Protect Our Jobs/Working Families
If Michigan voters say “yes” to this proposal, it will create a constitutional amendment to establish an employees’ right to join unions and negotiate with employers regarding terms of employment such as hours and wages.
Proposal 3 – Renewable Energy
If Michigan voters say “yes” to this proposal, it will create a law that requires 25 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable resources by the year 2025. This will encourage the use of Michigan made equipment and employment of Michigan residents.
Proposal 4 – Home Healthcare
If Michigan voters say “yes” to this proposal, it will allow the Michigan Quality Home Care Council to register, provide standards, and perform background checks for home care providers.
Proposal 5 – Michigan Taxation Amendment
If Michigan voters say “yes” to this proposal, it will modify the Michigan constitution to require that all increases in state taxes must be approved by either a two-thirds majority in the legislature or by a statewide vote.
Proposal 6 – Michigan International Bridge Initiative
If Michigan voters say “yes” to this proposal, it will require voters to approve any new bridge or tunnel from Michigan to Canada.
As I was learning more about these proposals, I realized there is so much more to think about during the election time than just the presidential candidates. I would highly recommend getting online and reading up on this stuff.
I found all of my information at Mlive.com, LeagueofResponsibleVoters.org and ballotpedia.org.
Like I’ve said before, I think it’s time we take responsibility for our own knowledge and start acting like adults. Too many people show up on Election Day with an uneducated vote. Don’t be one of them.