The Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, which will be on the ballot this November, is an attempt to let voters do what the Supreme Court failed to do three years ago: abolish racial preferences in higher ed (plus public employment and contracting). A new poll shows a plurality of likely voters supporting it, with a lot (26 percent) still undecided. The media is interpreting this as bad news for supporters of MCRI, which may be correct. But it does seem rather early to be writing its obituary, especially with more than a quarter of likely voters apparently up for grabs. Nonetheless, here’s the Detroit News:

A statewide ballot proposal to ban affirmative action in college admissions and government jobs may not be the slam dunk that its advocates had hoped.
A new independent poll shows that when voters read the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative as it will appear on the ballot Nov. 7, less than half intend to vote for it. Earlier surveys had pointed to greater support — but that was before the ballot language was finalized.
A “yes” vote supports a ban on affirmative action; a “no” vote supports a continuation of affirmative action.
Support has dropped from 64 percent in January 2004 to 46 percent now, and all because the words “to ban affirmative action programs” have been included in the proposal voters will see, according to pollster Steve Mitchell.