Proposal 1: Rewrite Michigan’s Constitution? Here’s how it would work

September 29, 2026

Michigan voters will decide in November whether to authorize a constitutional convention, an opportunity that appears on the ballot automatically every 16 years, which would be the state's first such convention in over 65 years. If approved, the process would involve electing 148 delegates through partisan elections by mid-2027, who would then convene to propose changes to the current 1963 Constitution before submitting their revisions to voters for final approval. A bipartisan coalition of diverse organizations opposes the measure, warning that delegates could eliminate popular constitutional protections like abortion rights and voting reforms, while supporters argue it offers a chance to address structural government problems that Lansing politicians have failed to resolve.

Who is affected

Michigan voters (all residents eligible to vote in the state)
148 delegates who would be elected (one per state House and Senate district)
Current state lawmakers (potentially barred from serving as delegates due to conflict of interest laws)
Organizations in the bipartisan coalition "Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests," including:
Voters Not Politicians
Michigan Catholic Conference
Chambers of commerce
Pro- and anti-abortion organizations (including Right to Life of Michigan)
Unions and business groups
Political figures including state Sen. Jonathan Lindsey, state Rep. Jay DeBoyer, state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks
Political consultants like Dennis Lennox and researchers like Eric Lupher of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan

What action is being taken

The Citizens Research Council of Michigan is publishing in-depth reports on the prospect of a constitutional convention
A bipartisan coalition called Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests is opposing the ballot measure and urging a "no" vote
State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey is reviewing 1960s-era bills that enabled the previous constitutional convention to prepare in case voters approve the effort
Lindsey's initial focus is on outlining election processes for delegates

Why it matters

This matters because a constitutional convention could fundamentally reshape Michigan's governing document for the first time since 1963, potentially affecting a wide range of constitutional protections and government structures. The stakes are particularly high because delegates would have broad authority to propose changes to any part of the constitution, including recently approved voter initiatives on abortion rights, redistricting reform, and voting access. The outcome could influence how Michigan government operates for generations, with an estimated $80 million price tag and the potential for significant political battles over issues ranging from property taxes to fundamental rights. The convention represents a rare opportunity for comprehensive governmental reform, but also carries risks that popular constitutional provisions could be weakened or eliminated, making it a high-stakes decision with long-lasting implications for all Michigan residents.

What's next

If voters approve Proposal 1 in November, partisan primary elections would be held to nominate delegates to the constitutional convention
A general election would follow by mid-2027 to select 148 delegates
Delegates would convene in Lansing by October 5, 2027, or an earlier date if provided by law
The Legislature would need to pass legislation to fund the convention and decide delegate compensation
Delegates would choose convention officers, determine rules, and hire staff
After the convention completes its work, any proposed constitutional rewrite must be submitted to voters "not less than 90 days after final adjournment of the convention"
State Sen. Lindsey plans to work on appropriations and potential guardrails such as campaign finance disclosure or conflict-of-interest rules for delegates

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com