News

Actions

Information freeze thaws after injunction on election law

Posted at 3:16 PM, Feb 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-13 15:16:05-05

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — An information freeze for local and school officials is thawing aftera federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on a new Michigan election law that critics called a gag order.

The injunction came as a relief to many local and school officials fearful of legal repercussions for distributing information about upcoming ballot proposals. Gov. Rick Snyder signed the legislation into law this year.

Some local officials say they’re once again holding public meetings, talking to media and distributing information about some of more than 100 upcoming money-related local ballot proposals up for vote. Others said the law only stopped them from using taxpayer money for mass mailing, robo calls and TV or radio advertising campaigns.

Now that the injunction is in place, some local officials are rushing to spread the word about their proposals.