Last Thursday, the Wall Street Journal had an article on how the typeface you choose can have unexpected repercussions. Michigan requires that all ballot initiative petitions must have the initiative written in 14-point boldface. But when is 14-font not really 14-font?
Apparently, the same folks who have changed 2"x4" lumber into 1.5"x3.5", and 16-ounce packages down to 14 ounces are messing around with typefaces, too. The font used in a recent petition was 14- point Calibri, a typeface I find easy to read. Unfortunately, its characters are slightly shorter than other 14-point typefaces, such as Ariel Bold and Century Schoolbook Bold. The Michigan Supreme Court is going to resolve the matter.
Who knew typeface designers would have such an impact on politics?
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