LANSING - Saying that the state has to fundamentally change government in the face of harsh new economic realities, Senator Michael Switalski (D-Roseville) announced today that he is introducing legislation to consolidate all elections to an annual August primary and November general election date.

“Michigan must adjust to new economic realities,” said Switalski. “We cannot afford to waste money by holding multiple election dates during the year. All elections should be held on the August Primary and November general election ballots.”

As support, Switalski cited the abysmally low turnout in yesterday’s School Board and City of Detroit mayoral elections.

“At a time when we are laying off public employees and cutting revenue sharing, we cannot continue to waste money by holding multiple elections each year,” said Switalski. “School districts should not be wasting millions of dollars holding elections in May when they could piggyback on the November elections for free.”

Switalski pointed out that the City of Detroit would not have had to hold a special and a general election for mayor six months apart if everyone was constrained to the annual November date. He noted that the change would also improve democracy. “It is embarrassing to have turnout in elections fall below 5%. If the elections were moved to November, turnout would improve dramatically.” Switalski also stated out that “stealth elections” are unhealthy for democracy.

Highlights from Switalski’s round table:

In light of poor voter turnout at yesterday’s School Board elections, Switalski has reintroduced SJR B, which permits 16-year-olds to vote in School Board elections only.

Switalski reveals that the most stunning reality emerging from the recent workgroup negotiations on the Executive Order cuts is that there is not enough stimulus money to keep School Aid, Higher Education, and Community Colleges whole.

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