Michigan Voters to Decide on New Campaign Finance Rules
The proposed measure aims to restrict political contributions and mandate new disclosure requirements for election advertisements.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Elections
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Michigan voters will head to the polls in November 2026 to decide on Proposal 2, a measure designed to restrict campaign contributions and update disclosure rules. The proposal targets state contractors and utility monopolies to limit their influence on Michigan elections.
Why it matters
The proposal seeks to modernize campaign finance regulations to address the growing role of internet-based issue advertising. By mandating transparency for election-related ads, the measure aims to provide voters with clearer information regarding the funding sources behind political messaging.
Proposal 2 introduces a $250,000 threshold in state government contracts to trigger campaign contribution bans. It also mandates funding disclosures for issue-based ads within 100 days of a general election and 30 days of a primary.
The players
DTE
DTE is a major utility company that would face direct prohibitions on political contributions under the proposed legislation.
Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy is a prominent utility firm in Michigan that is explicitly named in the proposal as a restricted entity.
The details
Proposal 2 amends the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to expand disclosure requirements from traditional TV and radio to include digital audio and video advertisements. It specifically seeks to ban companies with large state contracts, as well as utility giants DTE and Consumers Energy, from making direct contributions to political campaigns.
Timeline
30 days before a primary election: funding disclosure is required for issue-based ads.
100 days before a general election: funding disclosure is required for issue-based ads.
November 2026: Michigan voters will cast ballots on Proposal 2.
Political Context
Opponents and legal analysts suggest the proposal may face significant constitutional challenges regarding freedom of speech. Critics argue that these restrictions could trigger complex litigation over the scope of political expression versus anti-corruption mandates.
If passed, the measure will change the disclosure requirements for the advertisements Michigan residents see on the internet and television leading up to elections. Voters will gain greater insight into whether candidates are featured in issue ads funded by major state contractors or utility monopolies.
The takeaway
Voters should review the full text of the proposal to understand how the changes affect political ad funding transparency in their community. Keeping track of the upcoming November 2026 ballot measure will be essential for those interested in state campaign finance reform.
Further reading
For more background on state ballot measures, visit the Michigan Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC 12 WJRT-TV.
Live Poll
Do you support restricting political campaign contributions from corporations and their associated board members?
