The Michigan Supreme Court is our state’s court of last resort. Only cases of the utmost importance – those that will have a significant impact on the state and its people — are heard by the justices. Each case and every decision, whether it is about neighborhood safety, pensions, or family issues, has the potential to impact every citizen.
That is why the November 6 general election is so important. Three of the seven seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are up for election this year, setting the stage for a potential change in how the court operates and decides cases.
Michigan Supreme Court
According to a 2008 University of Chicago Law School study, the Michigan Supreme Court ranked dead last among state supreme courts when it came to the court’s independence. The Supreme Court also ranked near the bottom of the list in both productivity and for being influential with other state courts around the country. Those reports stand in stark contrast to the words of retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who has observed that the founding fathers believed the courtroom is a place where “being right is more important than being popular or powerful.”Unfortunately – and despite the significance of our Supreme Court election – voters often fail to cast ballots for the Supreme Court. That’s because the names of candidates for Supreme Court Justice appear on the non-partisan section of the ballot. Anyone who casts a straight party vote on Election Day will not cast a ballot for the Supreme Court unless they specifically vote the non-partisan section of the ballot.
Everyone in Michigan deserves a fair shake in our justice system. Therefore, we encourage you to use the time between now and November 6 to become familiar with the candidates for the Michigan Supreme Court and cast a ballot for the candidates you believe are in the best position to bring fairness and integrity to our state’s highest court.
Everyone in Michigan deserves a fair shake in our justice system. Therefore, we encourage you to use the time between now and November 6 to become familiar with the candidates for the Michigan Supreme Court and cast a ballot for the candidates you believe are in the best position to bring fairness and integrity to our state’s highest court.
Learn more about how to vote