Around Michigan & State Government

In light of federal appeals decision, do Michiganders have right to vote for local leaders?

Michigan Public | By Stateside Staff

Published September 13, 2016 at 4:40 PM EDT

Hammer told us he was "very disappointed" but "not surprised" with the appeals court ruling.

Our conversation with Peter Hammer. He's a law professor at Wayne State University.

A federal appeals court has upheld Michigan's emergency manager law.

The Sixth Circuit United States Court of Appeals says the law does not violate voting rights, and it does not racially discriminate.

The court's opinion says there is no fundamental right to vote for local officials. It also says the state has a legitimate interest in fixing financially struggling local governments.

In light of Monday's ruling, where does Michigan go from here?

Wayne State University law professor Peter Hammer will be part of a panel exploring that question tomorrow at a forum put on by the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University.

Hammer joined us today to talk about the ruling.IPPSR's second September forum will be held tomorrow from 11:30 to 1:30 in the Mackinac room on the fifth floor of the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. It's free and open to the public.

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