How states run their elections shapes public confidence in democracy. But election law involves trade-offs, and the debate often produces more heat than light. Join us for a panel on practical approaches to voting regulations and a thoughtful, solutions-oriented conversation about what Michigan’s rules are designed to do, where they may fall short, and what kinds of changes might strengthen the system.
This discussion will examine recent constitutional changes to how Michigan’s elections are run, the latest ballot proposal before voters, and the broader questions these reforms raise about access, administration and public trust. Rather than rehash talking points, panelists will explore what real problems exist, which concerns are overstated, and where it may make sense to clarify, tighten or improve state law.
This discussion will also place Michigan’s debate in a broader national context. Panelists will discuss campaign finance, money in politics, redistricting and other issues shaping elections across the country. This will provide a rational look at the rules of the game and how they might be improved. Find out how election law in Michigan and other states can protect election integrity while preserving fairness, transparency and voter confidence.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Lunch: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Program: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lunch is Included
The Acton Institute (Auditorium)
98 Fulton St E
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Call our Events office at
Event is free, but RSVP is necessary by May 21.
Register online
Bradley A. Smith a leading expert on campaign finance law and free speech. A former Federal Election Commission commissioner, he served as vice chairman in 2003 and chairman in 2004. He has written widely for top academic journals and major media outlets, and has appeared on numerous national news programs. Smith is the chairman and founder of the Institute For Free Speech, a law professor at Capital University and serves on the editorial board of the Election Law Journal and the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy.
Lisa Posthumus Lyons is the Kent County Clerk and Register of Deeds. A lifelong Kent County resident, she previously represented portions of Kent and Ionia counties in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2011 through 2016. Lyons is a graduate of Michigan State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and natural resources communications. Before holding elected office, she worked in public policy and community outreach. She was elected Kent County Clerk/Register in 2016 and reelected in 2020. In 2018, she was the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Michigan.
Bob Genetski is the Allegan County Clerk and Register of Deeds and a former Michigan state representative. He previously served three terms in the Michigan House, representing Allegan County, and before entering state office he taught at-risk high school students. Genetski holds degrees from Auburn University and Grand Valley State University.
Michael Reitz is executive vice president for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy where he oversees policy development, outreach and the Center’s strategic plan. A lawyer, Reitz has litigated for accurate elections, defended the First Amendment rights of individuals, fought against governmental abuses of power and wrote extensively on constitutional law. He is a columnist with the Detroit News and has appeared in news sources across the country.
