Vote

VOTE

Almost legal marijuana and actual control of sky-rocketing rents could become a reality in Ann Arbor beginning this April Fool's Day. City voters will have a chance April 1st to enact the $5 weed law and rent control proposals on the ballot due to the Human Rights Party's successful petition drives, Five new Council members will also be elected on that day. The $5 weed fine proposal would restore Ann Arbor's $5 parking ticket marijuana law which was repealed by City Council rabid Republicans last summer. Since that time, marijuana arrests and street paranoia have increased despite statements Mayor and Police Chief that no crackdown was planned. The rent control plan would be the first step in ending Ann Arbor's rent rip-off by the powerful local housing industry. Rents in this town are second highest in the country, while much of the rental housing is poorly maintained by landlords. Rent control would cut back high profits made by landlords and regulate those profits according to how well they take care of their buildings. These proposals could both potentially win a majority of votes and become law. The Republicans are a minority in Ann Arbor and maintain a stranglehold on the City Council only because the Human Rights Party split the vote last April. The majority of potential Ann Arbor voters are, we believe, progressive and not reactionary. As could be expected, the Republicans on Council are trying to make it as hard as possible for people to become properly registered to vote this year, while preparing a well-funded campaign to defeat the ballot proposals. Voter Registration, which last year tool place all over town and door to door, was limited this year before the February Primary, to a 2 1/2 week period in January at some scattered sites open limited hours. At this time it is uncertain whether there will be another such registration drive before the general elections. This means that you may have to go a little out of your way if you aren't registered and want to vote this spring. So, if you are new in Ann Arbor, just turned 18, or haven't registered before, you should register now so that you can have a voice in decisions which directly affect your life. WHO CAN REGISTER: Anyone who is,

*18 or over

*a U.S. citizen

*now lives in Ann Arbor, whether you work or go to school here, whether you live in a house, apartment, dorm, co-op, fraternity, or sorority. So-called "out-of state" students have the right to register to vote in Ann Arbor.

HOW TO REGISTER: March 4 is the deadline for registering for the April election. 

You can register until then at the City Clerk's office on the second floor of City Hall, corner of Huron and Fifth Ave. Go down any time between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

If you are currently registered to vote outside Ann Arbor, the City Clerk's office will automatically cancel your other registration when you sign up here. 

Note: People who have registered to vote in previous elections in Ann Arbor don't have to re-register.

USE THE POWER! REGISTER NOW AND VOTE APRIL 1st.