Royal Oak Voter Cries Foul At The Voting Precincts

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - One Royal Oak voter is crying foul at the precincts after finding literature supporting one of the proposals inside the voting area.

Proposal A or the Human Rights Ordinance as it is called has ignited passions on both sides of the ballot. The proposal, says in part, that it will prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status.

Jean Dohanyos says when she went to vote at her precinct at Royal Oak Middle School in District 6 there was a sample ballot with the 'Yes' circle colored in on Proposal A and there was a letter from Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison supporting the proposal.

Dohanyos said a table was set up within the gym, only a few feet away from where the voting standings rest. (Proposal ) pdf

"What was troubling was the literature looked to be official ... the literature never should have been on display," she said. "At minimum (if someone) accidentally left these behind ... I believe it's clearly partisan politics." (Proposal) pdf

There is not supposed to be any literature or paraphernalia in the voting precincts.

Dohanyos said she picked up the two pieces of paper and brought them home with her, feeling they were in clear violation of legal election practice.

This ballot issue came after the City Commission passed a local law protecting against bias in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations on March 4. Opponents gathered 1,200 petition signatures to stop it — so city officials went to the public to decide.

Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison, a vocal supporter, has said the ordinance is modeled after a similar measure in Ann Arbor.