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539K signatures submitted to repeal Gov. Whitmer's emergency powers

Virus Outbreak Michigan
Posted at 11:08 AM, Oct 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-02 11:08:12-04

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan group has submitted 539,000 signatures to repeal a law that has given Gov. Gretchen Whitmer broad emergency powers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Unlock Michigan is demanding that the veto-proof initiative be put before the Republican-led Legislature before year’s end.

It needs roughly 340,000 valid voter signatures for the bill to qualify and has a 200,000 cushion.

State Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, is investigating whether the ballot drive used illegal tactics.

The Democratic governor has opposed the initiative, saying a 1945 law allowing her to unilaterally extend a state of emergency has helped her save lives.