(WXYZ) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched an investigation into the Unlock Michigan group following allegations that members associated with the group may have engaged in criminal activity while collecting signatures for a petition for a ballot measure that would repeal the state laws Governor Whitmer has invoked to declare a State of Emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement comes following complaints to the AG's office from residents who said they were deceived by petition circulators. Residents said they were told the petitions were to support LGBTQ rights, for medical marijuana initiatives or to help small businesses, among other things.
Unlock Michigan is trying to get a measure on the November ballot that would repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of the Governor Act.
“Our democracy is firmly rooted in the principles of an informed electorate which makes decisions at the polls based on reason and beliefs over lies and deception,” Nessel said in a news release. “Our ballot initiative process allows efforts with strong public support to be presented to the Legislature. But that process becomes tainted when petition circulators manipulate and cheat to serve their own agendas. My office will investigate these allegations, and if there is a violation of law, we will prosecute those responsible.”
