A three-member Michigan Court of Appeals Friday ruled that a petition to overturn the state’s emergency management law could go on the ballot, then immediately stayed the ruling to poll the full 28-judge appellate bench on whether to reconsider the issue.
The three-member appellate court ruled in favor of certifying the petition, which the Board of State Canvassers had rejected last month, arguing that the font on the headlines was too small.
If the petitions are certified, it would automatically suspend the state’s controversial emergency management law, Public Act 4.
All 28 appellate judges will be polled to decide if a seven-member panel should be convened to hear the case.
Gov. Rick Snyder put out a statement saying he was pleased with the appellate court’s decision.
“We are pleased that this panel followed the letter of the Michigan Election Law and stayed the effects of its ruling so that PA 4 remains in effect,” Snyder said. “We are hopeful that if a special panel is convened that it is done promptly and that a majority of its judges agree with the unanimous interpretation of this panel.”
