Constituents are petitioning to recall Governor Rick Snyder and State Senator Tom Casperson
MARQUETTE -- When it comes to recalling state officials, analysts say constituents' bark is bigger than their bite; they do it to make a statement.
"A lot of people are doing this for political purposes and not really expecting the recall to work, but they're wanting to make sure that their issue is out there, that it's known, and that they get a response from the individuals who are trying to recall or set a tone for what the next votes are in the legislature," said NMU Political Science Department Head, Brian Cherry.
According to Michigan's constitution, the only requirement needed to get a recall on the ballot is signatures from 25 percent of the voter population, and some U.P. voters say those pushing for recalls are taking advantage of the system.
Donna Lee Nelson-Hilborn posted on our TV6 Facebook page, "It's coming to the point where if someone is a Democrat/Republican, then they start the recall because their guy wasn't voted in. I think it's an abuse...unless there is a decent reason, I don't think it should be allowed."
It's always been the case that politics prompts disagreement, but why the recent recall rage? There are currently campaigns to recall Governor Rick Snyder and state Senator Tom Casperson. Analysts say the Internet is to blame.
"I think because of social media and other types of information we're getting through the Internet and just the amount of information, people are more politically aware, they are able to be more politically active. It's easier just because of the Internet and access they have, " Cherry said.
Analysts also predict that recall attempts will not be successful in Michigan. Nationally, only one-third of recalls successfully make the ballot, and only two-thirds of those that make it to the polls are actually successful. The last time an official was recalled in Michigan was in 1983 for his position on income taxes.