Livonia, MI, February 24, 2026 – Citizens Research Council of Michigan today released the second in a series of 15 papers providing information to Michigan voters ahead of the November vote on whether Michigan should hold a constitutional convention.

Today’s release – A Brief Michigan Constitutional History – examines the actions Michigan voters have taken throughout history, including adopting four constitutions (1835, 1850, 1908, and 1963); rejecting two (1867 and 1873); and declining to approve the calling of a constitutional convention on 12 occasions, including most recently in 2010.

The 1963 Constitution is Michigan’s fourth; the state was one of 11 states to revise its constitution between 1948 and 1975. Only two states (Georgia in 1983 and Rhode Island in 1986) have undergone the revision process since then.

The Research Council’s series will provide voters with information to help them decide whether convening a constitutional convention is in Michigan’s best interest at this time. The Citizens Research Council takes no position on whether to call a constitutional convention.

On November 3, Michigan voters will decide whether to approve Proposal 2026-01, which would convene a constitutional convention to review and revise the 1963 Michigan Constitution. A “yes” vote would convene the convention in Lansing on October 5, 2027. If the question is rejected, it will automatically appear on the ballot again in 2042.

###

Founded in 1916, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan works to improve government in Michigan. The organization provides factual, unbiased, independent information concerning significant issues of state and local government organization, policy, and finance. By delivery of this information to policymakers and citizens, the Research Council aims to ensure sound and rational public policy formation in Michigan. For more information, visit www.crcmich.org.