Don't Forget the Non-Partisan Ballot

In less than 40 days, Americans will go to the polls to elect or re-elect the President of the United States, one third of the Senate and the entire  House of Representatives. Along with those offices  a multitude of local, county and state officials will be on the ballot. In Michigan voters will have the option of casting a ballot along party lines rather than having to mark off each person individually. 

While this may seem to be a simple and convenient way to vote it can mean the voter is only voting half the ballot.Michigan and 14 other states have a non-partisan ballot as well as a partisan ballot. The partisan ballot is clearly marked and includes
members of the Michigan Supreme Court and other judicial offices. These positions can have an immediate and long lasting effect on the lives of the people of Michigan yet all too often can be overlooked by voter. Approximately 38 per cent according to Supreme Court candidate Bridget Mary McCormack, fail to vote on the non-partisan ballot.Ms McCormack’s  sister, who  was on the TV show “West Wing” for three seasons, suggested doing a campaign video on the subject She contacted her friends from the TV show and ultimately a four minute “West Wing Reunion” was produced that included Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, Lilly Tomlin and others from the show (including Mary Mcormack, reprising her role in the show and answering the question “who is Mary McCormack”. )  The video released on “You Tube” went viral almost immediately. It can be seen at

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v52FLMOPSig&feature=player_embedded 

Bridget Mary McCormack, who a veteran litigator, law professor and a Dean
of University of Michigan Law School can now (with a smile) conclude she is the
only candidate endorsed by President Jeb Bartlett.

Putting aside support for individual candidates, the message in the video is clear and simple “don’t forget the rest of the ballot”. Look for and vote the non-partisan side of the ballot too.