ELECTION RESULTS:Bay County Voters Hot for Pot, Ending Gerrymandering

November 11, 2018
By: Dave Rogers

Bay County voters turned out in high numbers Nov. 6 to light up marijuana joints legally under Proposal 1 and torch gerrymandering and other election shortcomings under Proposals 2 and 3.

Proposal 3 was favored by 63 percent of county voters. Proponents were euphoric about Proposal 3, noting it may be a permanent fix to election wrangling because it amends the state constitution.

Proposal 2 would create a commission of citizens responsible for drawing them after each decennial census. The commission would be made up of 13 people self-identified by political affiliation: four Republicans, four Democrats and five independents, who will devise representative maps with the help of consultants and significant public input.

Proposal 3 will amend Michigan?s constitution to reaffirm the rights to a secret ballot and to conduct a post-election audit, and to ensure ballots are mailed in a timely fashion to military personnel and Michigan voters overseas; allow straight-ticket voting; allow voters to cast absentee ballots for any reason; allow Michiganders to register to vote up to and including on Election Day; and allow automatic voter registration when state residents visit a Secretary of State branch, unless the person opts out.

A mixed bipartisan bag of candidates was backed in Bay County by a near 60 percent turnout of 47,735 electors.

While Democrats won local support for governor, secretary of state and Member of Congress from the 5th District Daniel Kildee, they gave thumbs up to Republican candidates for attorney general, U.S. Senator and State Senator.

The state representative seats likewise were split, Brian Elder winning county voter backing in the 96th District and the GOP's Annette Glenn in the 98th District.

Bay Metro Transit Authority earned a positive vote for a millage renewal and the Essexville-Hampton Public Schools got a slam dunk near 60 percent in favor (from voters) for a sinking fund for facilities improvements.

Complete results of the election, provided by County Clerk Cindy Luczak, follow:

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE LINK.