Ballot Proposals Brewing for the 2026 Election Cycle
Update: Apr 1-14, 2025
After a quiet 2024 election cycle with no statewide ballot proposals, early indicators suggest Michigan voters will face several proposals in 2026. At a minimum, they will be asked whether to convene a constitutional convention—a question required every 16 years by the Michigan Constitution, and one voters have consistently rejected in the past. Meanwhile, new petition drives are already underway, including a proposed constitutional amendment that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote. The proposal echoes recent national conversations and has sparked debate, with supporters citing election security and critics warning of potential barriers to voting.
Additional proposals could also make the ballot if enough signatures are gathered. These include efforts to expand Michigan’s Bottle Bill, introduce ranked choice voting, and remove the dormant ban on same-sex marriage from the Constitution. Some groups are also eyeing potential referendums or amendments on taxes and minimum wage. With over 440,000 valid signatures needed and stricter rules around how they’re collected, getting a proposal on the ballot won’t be easy or cheap. Still, if even a few proposals make it through, this would signal that ballot issues are back in a big way for Michigan voters.