What is a ballot initiative campaign?
A ballot initiative is a right given to citizens under Michigan’s Constitution to draft and pass legislation directly. It is a powerful tool. Opponents can do little to keep a Secretary of State approved, properly formatted and circulated petition off the ballot. Any measure that obtains enough valid signatures in numbers equal to or exceeding 8 percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election is guaranteed a spot on the ballot. Giving ourselves wriggle room, we will gather at least 400,000 signatures. Signatures must be circulated and signed by qualified voters within their county of residence. All signatures turned into the Secretary of State’s office must have been gathered within the same 180 day period. To secure a spot on the 2010 general election ballot, the petitions must be turned in by May 2010. In broad terms a ballot initiative campaign costs approximately $1.50 to $3 per signature to get on the ballot. It is important to be early because the ballot campaign tha
