What are the Alternatives to a Constitutional Convention?
Michigan voters will decide in November 2026 whether to hold a constitutional convention, a process that would allow elected delegates to consider changes to the state's constitution. A constitutional convention isn't the only way Michigan's constitution can change. In fact, Michigan voters have approved dozens of constitutional amendments since the current constitution took effect in 1964, without holding another convention. So, how do Michiganders change the constitution, and what options, besides a convention, are available to voters?
Option 1: Citizen-Initiated Constitutional Amendments
Under Article XII, Section 2, Michigan residents can propose amendments to the state constitution through a petition process. This allows voters to place proposed constitutional changes on the ballot without first obtaining approval from the state legislature.
Supporters draft the proposed constitutional amendment. They must then collect valid signatures from registered Michigan voters equal to at least 10% of the votes cast for governor in the most recent gubernatorial election. Petitions must meet state requirements, including filing deadlines and signature verification. Once a proposed amendment qualifies for the ballot, Michigan voters decide whether to approve or reject it. A majority of 50% plus one vote is required for adoption.
How has Michigan used this process?
Citizen-initiated constitutional amendments have addressed a wide range of subjects. In 2018, Michigan voters approved Proposal 2, establishing an independent citizens' redistricting commission. That same year, voters approved Proposal 3, changing several voting and election procedures. In 2022, voters approved two additional citizen-initiated constitutional amendments:
- Proposal 2: Established additional voting rights and election procedures, including early in-person voting and absentee voting provisions.
- Proposal 3: Established a constitutional right to reproductive freedom.
Not every proposed amendment succeeds. Michigan voters have also rejected citizen-initiated amendments addressing subjects such as taxation, government authority, and labor policy. These examples demonstrate how voters can consider changes to particular constitutional provisions without holding a constitutional convention.
Option 2: Constitutional Amendments Proposed by the Legislature
Michigan's second amendment process begins in the state legislature. Under Article XII, Section 1, a constitutional amendment may be proposed in either the Michigan House of Representatives or the Michigan Senate.
A proposed amendment must receive support from two-thirds of the members elected to and serving in each legislative chamber. If it meets that requirement, the proposal is submitted to Michigan voters at a general or special election, as directed by the legislature. Voters then decide whether to approve or reject the amendment. A majority vote of 50% plus one is required for adoption.
How has Michigan used this process?
In 2022, the Michigan Legislature placed Proposal 1 on the statewide ballot. The proposal addressed legislative term limits and financial disclosure requirements for certain state officials. Michigan voters approved it. In 2020, voters approved two legislatively proposed constitutional amendments. One addressed the use of funds associated with state parks and natural resources. The other established constitutional protections requiring a search warrant before searching or seizing a person's electronic data and communications. Similar to citizen initiatives, legislative proposals can be approved or rejected by voters.
How Often Has Michigan Amended Its Constitution?
Michigan's amendment procedures have been used regularly since the current constitution took effect on January 1, 1964. According to the Michigan Bureau of Elections, as of August 2024:
- 85 proposed constitutional amendments had appeared on Michigan ballots.
- 39 amendments were approved by voters.
- 46 amendments were rejected.
Those proposals addressed issues ranging from taxation and education to elections, government structure, and individual rights. The results show that Michigan's constitution has changed repeatedly since its adoption, even though voters have not approved another constitutional convention.
What Does This Mean for Michigan Voters?
Michigan's constitution provides more than one way to consider constitutional change. Through citizen initiatives, voters can propose amendments directly. Through legislative proposals, elected lawmakers can submit amendments for statewide approval. Through a constitutional convention, elected delegates can consider broader constitutional revisions. These are different processes for considering changes to the document that establishes Michigan's system of government.
When voters consider Proposal 1 in November 2026, they will be deciding whether to begin the constitutional convention process. Understanding Michigan's existing amendment procedures provides important context for how to vote on that decision.
