Politics & Government

POLL: Democrats, Are You Voting in Today's Primary?

One of the state's high-ranking Democrats says he won't be voting in today's primary.

Michigan Congressman Gary Peters (D-9th District) won't be voting in today's Democratic primary election.

Neither will Farmington Hills Mayor Barry Brickner.

The two elected officials say there's no reason for them to go to the polls today, because Democrats will be choosing their candidate – President Barack Obama – in statewide caucuses on May 5. 

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And even those won't offer much action. 

"There's only one person running, so it's going to be a real quickie," Brickner said.

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Michigan Democratic Party officials passed a resolution earlier this month that allows Democrats to vote in the primary and at their caucuses. In the resolution, officials accused Secretary of State Ruth Johnson of "partisan mischief," confusing voters over a party rule that prohibits participation in both the primary and the caucuses. 

A spokesperson for the Michigan GOP told MLive.com there are other races going on Feb. 28, and that under state law, Johnson is required to put all presidential candidates on the ballot. Only a candidate is allowed to withdraw his or her name. 

Peters has been following the Republican primary and said for him, the "interesting storyline" is the tightening of the race between Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, given that Romney once had a "commanding" lead.

"It certainly shows his vulnerability," Peters said. "Even if Mr. Romney barely wins (in Michigan), it will certainly not bode well for him." 

He encouraged Democrats with a local election – like the contest to fill a vacant House seat in Pontiac – to vote. 

"There are some places where there are issues that we certainly hope people will turnout," Peters said, "but there are none in my voting area."


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