WTF is a Constitutional Convention?

Michiganders have fought hard to expand and secure our fundamental freedoms into the Michigan Constitution. A constitutional convention could put all of that progress in jeopardy.

Every sixteen years, the Michigan Constitution requires that a question automatically appears on the November General Election ballot as Proposal 1, asking voters whether they want to hold a constitutional convention (Con-Con). It’s a complicated process, but one thing is clear: Proposal 1 is a bad idea since it would put many of our freedoms in jeopardy.

If Michiganders currently want to make changes to the constitution, they can do so through citizen-led ballot measures. The existing process is in the hands of Michigan voters to decide whether to adopt proposed amendments (aka change the Constitution). It’s far from perfect, but it’s the surest way to ensure everyone who wants to have a voice is heard.

However, if Proposal 1 is approved, one delegate from every Michigan House and Senate District would be elected in special Primary and General Elections. Campaign finance rules would not apply to the election of delegates, so there is no limit on campaign donations. This would open the door for billionaires and corporations to hijack the progress Michiganders have worked hard for. The convention is open-ended and all guidelines are decided by the delegates. This means that delegates could decide to not change anything, or to rewrite the entire constitution. Simply put: Proposal 1 would open up a Pandora’s box and allow for special interests to take away our rights, like the right to a legal abortion and access to the ballot.

Michigan is a national leader in secure, accessible, and modernized elections thanks to the voters that fought hard to improve access to the ballot over the last decade. That’s why Michigan has same-day voter registration, no-reason absentee voting, early voting, and a permanent mail ballot list. A constitutional convention could override all of that hardfought progress to expand our voting rights. The result? Barriers to the ballot box that would make it harder for eligible voters to cast their ballots. Our voting rights are already under attack on multiple fronts, and passing Proposal 1 would put them at a greater risk. We can’t let that happen.

Additionally, the overturning of Roe v. Wade has had deadly impacts across the country, but in Michigan, voters overwhelmingly chose to enshrine the right to safe, legal abortion in the state constitution in 2022 because they know that abortion care is critical healthcare. We worked hard to secure reproductive freedom in Michigan’s constitution, and we shouldn’t reopen it to political attacks.

Michiganders have worked and voted to expand voting rights, reproductive freedoms, and legalize marijuana through ballot measures that enshrine these rights in the Michigan Constitution. Proposal 1 would allow corporate lobbyists and Lansing insiders to take power away from the people of Michigan. Let’s be clear: Our rights and freedoms are not up for grabs.

Make your plan to cast your ballot on or before November 3.

— — —

Levi Teitel, Communications Director
Engage Michigan

Paid for with regulated funds by Michigan League of Responsible Voters, 614 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933. Not authorized by any candidate.