Sturgis calls for repeal of state ballot law

Sturgis city commissioners have called for the repeal of a new state law that prohibits using public funds to communicate any information to voters in the 60 days prior to any local election.
City leaders said state law already prohibited use of public money to advocate for support or rejection of a ballot proposal, millage issue or candidate election.
But they suggested the new language in Public Act 269 will tie the hands of public agencies and officials from providing any material that would simply inform voters about the election or the facts surrounding ballot questions.
In a resolution unanimously approved Wednesday, commissioners said the law amounts to an immediate gag order on entities with ballot questions on the March 8 ballot and every election thereafter.
In addition, the resolution contends the new law restricts providing information on local ballot questions, but has no effect on statewide ballot issues.