Infinite possibilities breed infinite concerns as Michigan voters weigh ‘Con-Con’ question

Michigan voters face their every-16-years ballot question on whether to call a constitutional convention, which would seat 148 elected delegates starting October 2027 to consider rewriting the state constitution. Any resulting changes would still need voter ratification at least 90 days after the convention adjourns.

A bipartisan coalition of unions, chambers of commerce, and civic groups opposes the convention, warning it could expose existing protections, like the state's independent redistricting commission and reproductive rights amendment, to a wide-open agenda. The nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency estimates costs ranging from $10.2 million to over $47 million annually, plus up to $60.9 million in election costs, depending on the model used.

A Republican consultant supporting the convention argues the 1963 document is cluttered with outdated provisions and no longer fits modern Michigan. Opponents counter that the existing ballot-initiative and legislative amendment processes already allow targeted changes without the expense or risk of a wholesale rewrite.

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