Shelby Review

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, two statewide ballot proposals will be presented to Michigan voters to consider, with Macomb County also having its own questions on the ballot for local voters. 

Proposal 20-1 will appear on the ballot across the state, which asks about a constitutional amendment to allow oil and gas mining money from state-owned lands to be collected in state funds for land protections. The ballot questions ask whether this should continue in the state, Macomb Daily reported. These funds have been used to protect and create parks, nature areas and public recreation facilities. 

"According to the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, if the proposal is rejected, the Michigan State Parks Endowment Fund (MSPEF) would continue to receive oil and gas bonuses, rentals and royalties revenue annually until its principal balance reaches $800 million," according to Macomb Daily. "This is not expected to occur for another three decades. After this time, all future oil and gas revenue would be distributed to the state general fund; lawmakers have the most discretion making appropriation decisions involving the General Fund. Annual interest and earnings of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) and the MSPEF would continue to be available for expenditure subject to legislative appropriation."

If voters approve the proposal, future revenue will go to the MNRTF fund. 

The second proposal, 20-2, asks voters to consider an amendment that would make it a requirement for law enforcement to have a search warrant to look through electronic data or communications of a person, just as a search warrant is required to search a person's house.

"According to the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, if adopted, the Michigan Constitution would provide specific protections to electronic data and communications," Macomb Daily reported. "Law enforcement would be required to obtain warrants to access information stored in these formats. If rejected, law enforcement would continue the current practice of seeking warrants to access electronic data and communications based on interpretation of the 'Searches and Seizures' provision of the Michigan Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution."

Other proposals on the county ballot will include a question on raising the constitutional limit for the amount a property can be taxed within one year. Other cities have specific questions on their local ballots as well for voters to consider during the general election.