Michigan’s Signature Cushion Fell to 20 Before Canvassers Voted to Certify
Michigan’s Board of State Canvassers voted 3-1 on July 24, 2026, to certify that the “Michiganders for Money Out of Politics” petition has enough valid signatures to proceed toward a November ballot vote. The initiative would ban utility companies and government contractors from making campaign contributions to candidates in Michigan.
The margin was razor-thin. Organizers submitted more than 562,000 signatures in May 2026, well above the 356,958 threshold required under state law (8% of votes cast for governor in 2022). But a sustained legal challenge from the opposition group Protect MI Free Speech stripped away enough signatures to shrink that cushion to roughly 20 valid signatures above the line.
657 out of 1,000 Valid signatures found in a sample review by the Michigan Bureau of Elections after the challenge, narrowly clearing the threshold
That number matters because it means a successful court challenge to even a small additional batch of signatures could still knock the initiative off the ballot. Republican board member Paul Cordes was the lone dissenting vote on certification.
Petition Wording Must Still Clear a Second Legal Review
Certification of sufficient signatures is not the final step. The Board of State Canvassers must still determine whether the petition’s proposed statutory language meets Michigan’s legal standards. If the board approves the wording, the initiative advances to the November 2026 ballot, where voters would decide whether to create a new state law banning utility and contractor campaign donations.
Protect MI Free Speech, the opposition group, has signaled it will continue to contest the initiative. Spokesperson John Sellek said Friday’s hearing “exposed the sloppy and uncertain petition effort.” The group is backed by interests that benefit from the current contribution rules, including state-regulated utilities.
“Today is proof that a people-powered movement can stand up to some of the most powerful special interests in Michigan.”
Christy McGillivray, co-chair, Michiganders for Money Out of Politics Steering Committee, July 24, 2026
What You Can Do Now
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Contact your Michigan state representative and senator at the Michigan Legislature’s contact directory and tell them you support the “Money Out of Politics” initiative. Ask them to publicly oppose any legislative maneuver to block or alter the petition’s wording before the Board of State Canvassers completes its review.
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Attend the next Board of State Canvassers meeting when petition wording is reviewed. The board meets publicly in Lansing. Check the Michigan Department of State’s calendar for the date. Public comment periods allow citizens to weigh in before the board’s vote.
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Contact Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office at (517) 373-3400 and ask her to speak publicly in support of the initiative advancing to the ballot. Governor-level pressure can deter legislative interference with the canvassing process.
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Verify your voter registration at mvic.sos.state.mi.us now. The November 2026 ballot vote will only happen if you are registered and vote. Michigan’s registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day.
Sources
Michigan Advance: State Canvassers Find Money Out of Politics Effort Has Sufficient Valid Signatures
Michigan Department of State: Board of State Canvassers Meeting Information
Michigan Legislature: Initiative and Referendum Petition Requirements Under MCL 168.471
Michiganders for Money Out of Politics: Campaign Committee Official Site