What is the May 7th election about?
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — In November, Lansing voters approved the creation of a Charter Revision Commission. 51.6% voted in favor, 48.8% voted in opposition.
The Commission could substantially rewrite the Lansing City Charter, or the city’s “constitution,” substantially restructuring the city’s government — from the way local road work is repaired to how local police are funded to who can serve in government voting on where tax dollars are expended.
The Commission has already received a $500,000 budget appropriation by the Lansing City Council. All of that money is coming out of the city’s general fund and will pay for Commission operations including legal services and per diems for the 9 citizens elected Tuesday to rewrite the Charter.
This will be the first time a Charter Revision Commission has been approved since the current city charter was approved by voters on Aug. 8, 1978. The current charter has been amended since then, but a full revision has not been approved by voters. Under the charter, voters are asked every 12 years if a Charter Revision Commission is needed.
Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope says the city charter is essentially the city’s “constitution.”
“Think of it like a federal or state constitution,” Swope told 6 News in November. “That’s the city’s version of our highest document. So, it lays out who the elected officers are, the term of office for elected officers and numerous other things about how city government operates.”
City of Lansing Charter (PDF)Download
The 9 people elected to the Charter Revision Commission will have the job to review the entire document. The Commission could propose changes in the form and structure of the city government from whether to remain a “strong mayor” form of government or transition to a “weak mayor” city manager form of government. It could expand or shrink the number of seats on council. There are currently 8 seats on city council – 4 at-large representing the entire city and 4 wards created to represent geographic areas of the city.
The Commissioners can bring up to three different draft charters for approval to voters at three different elections. They will have to have a new charter in place by November 2026, Swope says.
Swope tells 6 News he expects about 15% of registered voters in the city to cast a ballot for the special election Tuesday.
Here is the complete list of candidates for the Lansing City Charter Revision Commission from the Lansing City Clerk.
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