LANSING, Mich. – A state board is getting a lot of attention over its vote on a petition to repeal an almost 80-year-old law.
The law was used by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to issue pandemic orders until it was struck down last fall.
The Board of State Canvassers’ job is usually to certify or not certify things like election results or petitions. In their meeting this week, members were split on a vote that could have a big impact.
The petition would get rid of the 1945 law that gives the governor’s office emergency powers. The state supreme court has previously ruled that the law was unconstitutional. The petition was set to go straight to the legislature where it was expected to pass.
The group behind the petition, Unlock Michigan, did get enough signatures and the State Board of Elections recommended the petition be sent to legislators.
The petition has also the subject of a lot of scrutiny. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel launched an investigation into Unlock Michigan after a video showed a trainer advising signature collectors use unlawful tactics to collect signatures.
This week, Nessel announced there was no finding of criminal conduct. Two democrats on the 4-member board called for their own investigation.
“She didn’t find enough proof to. She thinks to be able to convict beyond a reasonable doubt. Reasonable doubt would not be our standard should we choose to investigate,” vice chair Julie Matuzak said.
An investigation was voted down and later both democrats would vote against certifying the petition. The vote was praised by state Democrats and criticized by state Republicans.
Watch the video above for the full report.