Michigan’s Energy Monopoly Won’t Be Fixed by Restricting Everyone’s Free Speech

Michigan voters approved Proposal 2 by more than 80 per cent on 3 November, after supporters presented it largely as a way to curb the influence of utility and healthcare companies. The authors argue that the measure will not address the state’s energy costs and reliability problems, while imposing broad new rules on political speech and disclosures.

The law requires people or groups that refer to candidates in print or online within 100 days of an election to meet disclosure rules. It also requires groups reporting on candidates to disclose the name, address, occupation and employer of anyone who contributes more than $100; violations can bring fines and criminal penalties, including jail. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy and the Institute for Free Speech have filed a federal lawsuit, saying the rules could affect news reporting, voting guides and other nonpartisan work.