Possible procedure fix could change ballot campaigns

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan's Board of Canvassers is considering whether to revise an election law procedure that governs the viability of older petition signatures. MLive.com reports the current time limit on gathering signatures is 180 days from when a ballot petition drive is approved. The Secretary of State's office considers it a "floating" deadline, meaning groups can engage in a lengthy bureaucratic challenge to validate older signatures. However, two ongoing campaigns argue that upgrades in technology now streamline the validation process. If the state revises its procedure, that could extend the life of a petition drive by giving campaigns years, not months, to collect enough. Secretary of State office spokesperson Fred Woodhams said the board is reviewing case law and prior attorney general opinions while deciding the issue.