Elections

LANSING, MI (AP)--   The Board of State Canvassers has set the wording of a road funding ballot proposal asking voters if they want to increase the state sales tax and raise $1.3 billion a year more for transportation infrastructure. 

The elections board approved the language Thursday.

Voters decide in the May 5 special election whether to approve an amendment to the Michigan Constitution.

LANSING, MI (AP)--   A new report says that the top 150 political action committees in Michigan raised $68.1 million in the 2014 election cycle, shattering a previous record by 31 percent. 

The Michigan Campaign Finance Network said Monday that the groups raised the money throughout 2013 and 2014 in an effort to influence the 2014 elections.

The previous record for PAC fundraising in the state was $51.9 million during the 2006 election cycle.

GLADSTONE, MI--   A special election has been set for the recall of three Gladstone City Commissioners. 

Hugo Mattonen, Joseph Maki, and David Nemacheck are the subjects of the May 5 recall, which states the commissioners levied an additional 1.8236 mills to the city millage.  The three will appear on the ballot with any new candidates.

Anyone interested in commission seats has until February 26 at 4 p.m. to file petitions with the Gladstone City Clerk.  Paperwork is available at the clerk’s office between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

LANSING, MI (AP)--   The Republican-led Michigan Senate has voted to schedule a presidential primary for March 2016.

Legislation approved unanimously Thursday would set a March 15 election. It's scheduled for February under current law but must be changed for Michigan Republicans to avoid running afoul of national rules again like they did in 2012.

The bills next will be considered by the Republican-controlled House.

LANSING, MI (AP)--   Election officials say fewer people participated in Michigan's general election than four years ago. 

The secretary of state's office reports that about 3.2 million votes were cast Tuesday. That's about 83,000 fewer than in the 2010 midterm election.

Voter turnout was 41.6 percent of the voting-age population, down from 42.9 percent four years ago. It was the lowest turnout on a percentage basis since 1990.

Democrats' efforts to improve their chances targeting people who vote in presidential races but not midterm elections proved to be bust.