Keweenaw Against the Oligarchy canvassers spoke with voters at the polls. The group said residents appear excited to remove money from politics.
Audrey Gerard, co-chair of Keweenaw Against the Oligarchy, said health care companies have a major stake in the state’s political landscape.
“Blue Cross Blue Shield, however, is our number one contributor to elected people on both sides of the aisle. They have given so much money over the years to candidates, again, on both sides of the aisle. And we want to make sure our health care is representing everyday working people,” Gerard said.
Lexi Tater, the group’s other co-chair, said everyday services also involve corporate money.
“Things like Delta Dental and other insurance companies are also on that list that have that contract with the state of over $250,000 annually, and we don’t think about it when we’re going to the dentist or when we’re getting a doctor’s appointment. We don’t think about the implications of how much money they actually have and how much they’re investing in our politics,” Tater said.
Tater and Gerard said Proposal 2 seeks to end the ways corporations in Michigan can influence candidates through campaign contributions.
They also said much of the regional coverage leading up to Election Day has focused on companies such as DTE Energy and Consumers Energy. The Upper Peninsula, they said, has several large corporations that have contributed to candidates from both parties, including UPPCO Power Company and SEMCO Gas.
Polling places close at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Voters must present a valid form of ID. Those who forget a driver’s license or state ID can sign the voter’s affidavit on the back of the voter application.
Voters who want to learn more about Proposal 2 and other ballot measures can find information in the League of Women Voters Voter’s Guide. Those unsure where to vote can find their polling place through the Michigan Voter Information Center.
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