You can request an absentee ballot through your state's election office.

States offer several ways to cast a ballot: by mail, early in person, or on Election Day in person. How to vote depends on your state. The federal government recommends contacting state or local election offices for current voting methods and locations because sites and hours can vary by election and county.

How do I register to vote?

Registering to vote is the single most critical step in exercising your power in direct democracy. You must ensure your registration is active before any election cycle. It varies by state, and it's best to check your registration status before every major election, especially if you have moved or have not voted in recent years. Accessing voter education resources through your state's official election website is the best way to confirm your eligibility and registration details.

Who Supports Majority Rule?

Support for majority rule cuts across party lines. Voters consistently express a preference for simple majority rule. Recent examples include Ohio (2023) Issue 1 where voters rejected a 60% supermajority requirement 57% to 43%, South Dakota (2022) Amendment C rejected 67% to 33%, Arkansas (2022) Issue 2 rejected 59% to 41%, and South Dakota (2018) Amendment X rejected 54% to 46%.

What are the pros and cons of simple majorities and supermajorities?

In the context of ballot measures, majority rule typically refers to the standard of a simple majority deciding the outcome of a vote. Simple majority rule is an effective structure to ensure that the majority of voters have their preferences heard. It is a founding principle of American democracy.

What is a supermajority?

Supermajorities require a higher threshold of support to pass. Sometimes supermajorities require 55% support for passage, sometimes 60% support for passage, sometimes more. This means that a minority of voters can block popular policies. If a policy requires 60% to pass, then just more than 40% of voters can block it.

What is majority rule?

Majority rule means that a candidate or question needs more than 50% of the total votes cast in an election to win. Nearly all elections in the United States are decided by simple majority rule. It's simple, and it works.

How is direct democracy different from representative democracy?

Direct democracy is a system where the public makes policy decisions directly, often via a ballot measure, while representative democracy involves elected officials making decisions on behalf of constituents.

What is direct democracy?

Direct democracy is a system of democratic government in which the public makes policy decisions directly, often via a ballot measure.

What is a ballot measure?

A ballot measure is a policy question that appears on a ballot for voters to decide. Ballot measures allow voters to directly adopt or reject proposed laws and constitutional amendments. Ballot measures usually appear towards the end of a ballot, after you select candidates for office. Ballot measures can be voted on in general elections, primary elections, or special elections. Twenty-six states and hundreds of local governments have some kind of citizen-initiated ballot measure process.

Michigan Ballot Guide

Ballot Measures Ballot Guide

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Ballot Measures

Michigan

Proposal 1 in Michigan: How does a Constitutional Convention impact me?

October 19, 2026

How does a Constitutional Convention impact me?

The Michigan constitution shapes much of everyday life, from public education and taxation to voting rights and the powers of state and local government. The question of whether to hold a constitutional convention to change that document appears on the ballot only once every 16 years. So, how does a constitutional convention work, and what could a constitutional convention change?

How a Michigan Constitutional Convention Would Work

On November 3, 2026, Michigan voters will decide whether to hold a constitutional convention. Here's what happens if a majority votes yes:

Delegates are elected. Michigan voters would elect 148 delegates, one from each of the state's 110 House districts and 38 Senate districts. Delegates would be chosen in a partisan election held within six months of the proposal's approval. Campaign finance rules that apply to our elected representatives would not apply to delegates elected to convene the constitutional convention.

The convention begins. Delegates would meet in Lansing on October 5, 2027, unless state law establishes an earlier date. They would determine their own procedures and begin considering possible constitutional changes.

Delegates consider revisions. A convention could examine the entire state constitution, including provisions governing education, taxation, elections, civil rights, reproductive rights, gun rights, water rights, land usage, and the structure of state government.

Voters have the final say. Any proposed constitution or amendments approved by a majority of convention delegates must return to Michigan voters for approval or rejection. That election must occur at least 90 days after the convention adjourns.

Convention economics. Estimates of a convention’s cost vary by method. The Citizens Research Council estimates $50 million to $60 million, combining updated 1961 convention costs with the costs of three statewide elections. A preliminary Senate Fiscal Agency estimate puts the total near $80 million. The agency’s formal report also includes lower figures, such as $10.2 million based on inflation-adjusted 1961 costs. Actual costs would depend heavily on how long delegates meet, and the constitution sets no deadline.

What Could a Constitutional Convention Change?

Because a constitutional convention isn’t limited to one subject, delegates could propose a myriad of changes, such as, but not limited to: taxes, public schools, elections, local government, civil rights, or any other part of the constitution, and could add provisions on topics it doesn’t currently cover. Those provisions can impact daily life, and any proposal would go to voters for approval.

Voters may accept the new constitution in its entirety, or not at all. If voters reject the proposed changes, Michigan's constitution as we know it today remains in effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some sources call it Measure 2?

The 60% threshold measure was previously numbered Measure 2 (Wikipedia). The Secretary of State's official ballot now lists it as Constitutional Measure 1, following the North Dakota Supreme Court's removal of a separate term-limits measure from the November ballot (North Dakota Secretary of State). Some reference sites still use the old number.

Would Measure 1 apply retroactively?

No. It would apply only to future constitutional amendments. Amendments already in the constitution stay in place regardless of the vote share they received.

What are the unintended consequences of Measure 1?

Opponents argue the clearest practical consequence is that amendments with broad, clear majorities could fail, pointing to past amendments that passed with 58%. Supporters counter that a higher bar is the intended effect and it should be more difficult to amend the constitution, even if it means a minority of voters can block what the majority want.

How many votes does a measure need to pass?

A majority of the votes cast on that question. Measure 1 would raise that to 60% for future constitutional amendments.

Can I vote by mail?

Yes. Any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot without giving a reason. Your ballot has to be received by the close of polls on Election Day. You can return it by mail, at a county drop box or in person at the county auditor's office, but not at a polling place.

Do I need to register to vote?

No. North Dakota is the only state without voter registration. You do need a valid ID that shows your name, current North Dakota residential address and date of birth.

When is the next election in North Dakota?

The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Absentee voting is already underway.

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What's on my ballot in North Dakota?

Enter your address at vote.nd.gov to see your own sample ballot. Statewide, there are two measures in November 2026: Measure 1, the 60% threshold for constitutional amendments, and Measure 2, free school meals. The Secretary of State posts the full text and an analysis of each on its Measures on Ballot page.

Can I vote early on Amendment L?

Yes. South Dakota offers early voting options. Because hours and locations can vary by county and election cycle, check South Dakota's Secretary of State website directly for current early voting information.

How do I make sure I'm registered to vote on Amendment L?

Check your voter registration status well before the election — especially if you've moved or haven't voted in recent cycles. Visit South Dakota's Secretary of State website for current registration deadlines, requirements, and to confirm your registration is active.

What would Measure 1 change?

It would make it significantly harder for constitutional amendments to pass. Under the current system, a majority of North Dakotans can approve a constitutional change. Under Measure 1, a minority of just over 40% could block an amendment even if most North Dakotans supported it. When you look at actual voter turnout, the number of North Dakotans who could overrule an amendment is actually even smaller—more like 20%. Imagine a scenario where 1 in 5 people control a vote, even if 4 out of 5 want something different to happen—that's what could happen if Measure 1 passes.

Does a supermajority requirement apply to all elections?

No. Some apply only to citizen-initiated measures, not to legislatively referred measures. Some supermajority requirements apply only to constitutional amendments, not to statutory ballot measures. The specifics vary significantly from state to state.

Is a supermajority requirement the same as minority rule?

In practice, any supermajority threshold gives a minority coalition the power to defeat a majority-supported measure. The higher the threshold, the greater the power of the minority. If 60% is required for passage, a blocking coalition needs only 40% of voters plus one vote to be successful

What is the main argument for a supermajority requirement?

Proponents argue that important decisions — such as changes to a state constitution — should reflect a very broad social consensus rather than a narrow majority.

What is the main argument against a supermajority requirement?

Critics argue that supermajority requirements create minority rule by allowing a smaller group of voters to block policies supported by a majority, undermining the core democratic principle that the side with more votes wins.