LANSING – State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) today voted against a bill requiring a statewide presidential primary election, a move that will create additional costs for Michigan taxpayers and force residents to publicly state their party affiliation. The bill passed the House in a 67-34 vote.
"While the Legislature has taken many important steps to get Michigan's economy back on track, our state is still facing a significant budget deficit," McDowell said. "In these tough economic times, taxpayers want to be assured that we are investing their tax dollars wisely. It would be unconscionable of us to spend millions of dollars on a state-run primary when local communities are cutting police officers and school children are being forced to learn with outdated materials."
Senate Bill 264 requires the state to hold a presidential primary on Jan. 15, 2008. The Senate Fiscal Agency has estimated that a state-run primary would cost taxpayers $10 million. McDowell noted that those dollars could be used for a myriad of more pressing concerns, including funding the firefighting efforts for the Sleeper Lake fire in Luce County; keeping the Camp Manistique correctional facility in Newberry open, saving 45 good-paying jobs; or funding an "enhanced driver's license," which would contain a chip with proof of citizenship and other information, expediting travel between Michigan and Canada and keeping our border safe and secure.
The bill also will force residents to declare which political party's primary they wish to vote in, a requirement that will discourage independent voters and intrude upon the privacy of citizens. The bill passed the Senate last week in a 21-17 vote.
"There are many people who wish to participate in the democratic process, but want to keep their political beliefs private," McDowell said. "What's more, this bill will require independent voters – who are excluded from the primary process – to fund this expensive election through their tax dollars. I was proud to stand up today and vote a resounding 'no' to this bill."