Voters will be asked on the November ballot whether to initiate the process

Livonia, MI, February 10, 2026 – Citizens Research Council of Michigan today released the first in a series of 15 papers providing information to Michigan voters ahead of the November vote on whether Michigan should hold a Constitutional Convention or “Con-Con”.

At this year’s November 3 general election, Michigan voters will be asked to vote on Proposal 2026-01 – whether to convene a constitutional convention to review and revise the 1963 Michigan Constitution. This question is presented to voters automatically every 16 years, as required by the 1963 Constitution. A “yes” vote would result in a constitutional convention convening in Lansing on October 5, 2027. If the question is rejected, it will automatically appear on the ballot again in 2042.

The first paper – General Revision of the Michigan Constitution – describes the process for convening a convention, explores the history of past votes on the question, outlines the possibility of a wholesale revision of the constitution, explains the nature and purpose of a constitution, and outlines the elements of the current 1963 Michigan Constitution. Although voters rejected holding a convention in 1978, 1994, and 2010, the current constitution has been amended numerous times.

The Research Council plans to release “Con-Con” papers every other week through October 2026. The first three papers, which provide an overall explainer on mechanics, costs, and subsequent historical context, will be followed by a series of 12 papers covering each of the 12 articles of the Michigan Constitution. All papers will be available here before absentee ballots are distributed.

The Citizens Research Council takes no position on whether to call a constitutional convention. It is hoped that examining the matters identified in the papers in this series will promote discussion of vital constitutional issues and assist citizens in deliberations on whether to call a constitutional convention.

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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.