![Shannon Abbott, a white woman with straight mid-length dark brown hair.](https://www.commoncause.org/michigan/vi/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Shannon-Abbott-headshot-2-scaled.jpg)
Shannon Abbott
Outreach & Engagement Manager
Common Cause Michigan
Common Cause is defending the right to place the issues we care about on the ballot before the voters -- a right that is under attack across the country.
One of the most important ways that everyday people can make change in our government is through ballot initiatives. In many states, after advocates collect enough signatures, questions about key issues will be put on the ballot. Voters can then directly decide on new voting laws, housing policies, reproductive justice measures, and much more.
However, some politicians want to silence voters by restricting ballot initiatives or eliminating them all together. Common Cause is committed to defending direct democracy against these threats.
Outreach & Engagement Manager
Common Cause Michigan