Michigan’s 2018 race for the Supreme Court was defined by what it lacked: It did not see large, under-the-radar spending by groups acting outside of the candidates’ campaigns. That type of spending has been a staple of Supreme Court races in the state for nearly two decades. read more

posted on 04/11/2019

Voters Not Politicians, the ballot committee hoping to change how Michigan draws its legislative district lines, took in nearly $14 million over the past three months, swamping the group that is opposed to the ballot measure. Ballot proposal campaigns filed new reports on their fundraising ahead of Election Day. read more

posted on 10/26/2018

In Michigan, when legal fights over legislative redistricting go to the state's high court, justices often have to rule on cases in which their political benefactors have strong opinions. A 2018 case about a ballot proposal to institute an independent redistricting commission could be the latest chapter in a story that has a long history. read more

posted on 06/08/2018

The eight most active ballot proposal campaigns that are working to change Michigan law in 2018 have already combined to raise $12.3 million, according to new disclosures. The majority of their financial support has come from a small number of organizations and their affiliates. read more

posted on 04/27/2018

With Michigan’s redistricting process, wage laws and marijuana legalization hanging in the balance, the 2018 battle over ballot proposals is just getting started. But it’s already attracted more than $7 million in contributions, according to new campaign finance disclosures. read more

posted on 01/31/2018

With a small group of large donors driving the numbers upward, three ballot campaigns to change Michigan law have each passed the $1-million mark. Three other campaigns have amassed more than $400,000 in support. read more

posted on 10/26/2017

When it comes to changing Michigan law through ballot proposals, the early money appears to be on efforts to legalize marijuana. Two ballot committees focused on marijuana legalization have raised more money so far in 2017 than any other current ballot committee. read more

posted on 05/11/2017