Controversial ordinance draws out voters in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – People all over the country are watching to see which way the vote goes Tuesday in Kalamazoo.

Voters are deciding whether or not to adopt Ordinance 1856, which would add gay, lesbian, and transgender citizens to the list of those protected from discrimination in housing or employment.

The controversial issue was driving people to the polls on Tuesday, providing Kalamazoo with an especially high voter turnout for an off-year election.

"If it was just a commissioners election, probably we would not have a real high turnout, but because of the ordinances that are on the ballot this time we expect a better turnout than normal," said Justin Kromminga, chairperson for Precinct 1 and 3.

"We had about seven people in line when we opened at 7:00 and since then it's been pretty steady," said Marc Ferraro chairperson of Precinct 21 and 24.

Precincts across Kalamazoo saw a steady stream of traffic Tuesday. Some of those Newschannel 3 spoke to said they wanted to make sure their voices were heard on the issue of Ordinance 1856.

"I think Ordinance 1856 is really important to people and I think people either really want to see it pass or really want to see it defeated," said Michelle Connolly.

Election officials in Kalamazoo say that a typical off-year election might draw about 15 percent of registered voters, but because of Ordinance 1856, they're expecting 20 percent or more.