Michiganders for Money Out of Politics

A proposal to ban political spending by Michigan's regulated utilities and large government contractors has cleared a key step toward the ballot. The bipartisan Board of State Canvassers certified petition signatures, allowing the measure to proceed to the November election unless the Legislature acts within 40 days. Opponents argue the initiative suppresses free speech, while supporters claim it reduces corporate influence.

Michigan's 'Money out of Politics' ballot initiative has sufficient valid signatures after the Board of State Canvassers approved it 3-1, despite opposition from Protect MI Free Speech. The petition, which aims to ban utility companies and government contractors from making campaign contributions, must now meet legal standards for wording before moving to the Legislature or a statewide vote.

Michiganders for Money Out of Politics submitted over 562,000 signatures to qualify a November 2026 ballot initiative banning utility companies and government contractors from making campaign contributions. The group faces a challenge from Protect MI Free Speech, which alleges the signatures contain patterns of possible forgery and fraud, referencing a 2022 GOP gubernatorial signature scandal.

Michiganders for Money Out of Politics submitted over 562,000 signatures to place a proposal on the November 2026 ballot banning utility companies and state contractors from campaign contributions. Co-chairs Sean McBrearty and Christy McGillivray emphasized the nonpartisan nature of the effort, which targets systemic corruption and specifically calls out Blue Cross Blue Shield as a contractor they aim to restrict.