Michigan Voters Decide on Constitutional Convention and Finance Laws

Michigan voters are deciding on two statewide proposals in the current election that could fundamentally alter the state's legal and political landscape. Proposition 1 asks whether to convene a constitutional convention in 2027 to draft a general revision of the state constitution. This would be the first such convention since the early 1960s, though recent polling indicates the measure has less than 50 percent support.

Mackinac Center for Public Policy analysts noted that such a convention is a significant event because the constitution is the primary mechanism controlling rights at the state level. The organization highlighted that the last convention of this kind occurred in the early 1960s and resulted in the current constitution.

Proposition 2 seeks to expand state campaign finance laws by removing the requirement for express words of advocacy to trigger reporting. Under this proposal, any individual or organization paying for communications that name a candidate within 100 days of an election must disclose the name, address, occupation, and employer of contributors giving more than $100. While proponents argue the measure will rein in utility companies, critics warn it could burden reporters and non-partisan groups. Proposition 2 currently holds more than 70 percent voter support.