Elections have become more accessible in Michigan in recent years. In 2022 residents voted to allow early voting centers and expanded how voters access mail-in ballots. The idea to open access to early voting centers and make it easier for voters to submit ballots by mail was to increase voter participation in the state.
Across the nation average voter turnout for presidential elections hover just above 60%, and drop to below 50% during midterm elections. Local and state elections during May and August tend to have the lowest voter turnout rates.
Exercising your right to vote in elections allows residents to voice their concerns and ideas in one of the most actionable ways individuals get involved in communities. From local to national elections, voting is an important part of civic duty.
Tomorrow the Copper Country League of Women Voters plan to discuss the proposal, Rank MI Vote. The proposal would change how voters determine candidates for elections and primaries. Ranking each candidate from the voter’s top choice, to the candidate a voter would least like to see take office.
Proponents of ranked-choice voting say the process allows communities to more effectively determine candidates during primary elections. The election style could also make it easier for third-party candidates and independents to gain votes, by allowing voters to not eliminate their chosen candidate due to the thought the individual could not win an election. Opponents of rank-choice voting express that the change may confuse some voters, especially seniors and new voters. Adding rank choice could put an unnecessary burden on clerks.
The LWV will meet tomorrow at 11;15 in the Griffin Cafe inside the Skyview Commons.
The presentation will precede the League’s annual meeting at 1 pm.
