Michigan Voters Rejected Proposal 1 Convention
A recent poll shows voters oppose a 2027 constitutional convention ballot proposal.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should Michigan hold a constitutional convention to revise the state's governing document?
Michigan residents have signaled opposition to a ballot measure that would convene a constitutional convention in 2027. Proposal 1 is slated to appear on the November ballot, as mandated by the state constitution every 16 years.
Why it matters
The proposal asks voters to decide if a convention of elected delegates should be assembled to draft or revise the state's existing governing document. A successful vote would trigger the first constitutional convention since 1961.
A recent poll found that 51% of voters oppose Proposal 1, while only 26% support it. The state constitution requires this proposal to appear on the ballot every 16 years.
The details
The ballot initiative asks whether Michigan should convene a convention in 2027 to draft a new constitution or significantly overhaul the 1963 document. This existing framework currently defines essential rights, including the requirements for jury trials and voting eligibility.
Timeline
The last constitutional convention took place in 1961.
A poll regarding the proposal was conducted on October 1, 2026.
Proposal 1 will appear on the ballot in November 2026.
A potential constitutional convention is proposed for 2027.
Political Context
The proposed convention seeks to revise or replace the 1963 Michigan State Constitution, marking a potential departure from the state's current legal framework. Opposition to the measure suggests a preference for maintaining the existing constitutional structure rather than initiating a new drafting process.
Voters will ultimately decide whether to trigger a process that could change the fundamental rights outlined in the state constitution. Approval of the proposal could lead to significant revisions regarding voting eligibility and judicial procedures in the coming years.
The takeaway
Voters appear reluctant to overhaul the state's governing document, as indicated by the clear polling gap between supporters and opponents. The November election will determine if the state proceeds with a convention that hasn't been held in over six decades.
What happens next
Proposal 1 will appear on the Michigan ballot in November 2026, where voters will cast the final decision on whether to proceed with a 2027 constitutional convention.
Further reading
For more background on upcoming ballot initiatives, visit the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
Live Poll
Should Michigan hold a constitutional convention to revise the state's governing document?
