Proposal 1 has generated strong claims about what a Michigan Constitutional Convention could—and could not—do. Here are straightforward answers to some of the most common claims, with sources so you can examine the evidence for yourself.
This page will be updated as new questions, claims and official information emerge.
MYTH: “Calling a Constitutional Convention is too risky.”
FACT: It may be risky for the established power-brokers to allow a cross-section of Michigan citizens who are elected delegates to review the fairness of the structure of our state’s government—but it’s a chance for the rest of us to have our voices heard. Finally, we get to have a say.
Source: Michigan Constitution, Article XII, Section 3.
MYTH: “Special interests will take over the convention.”
FACT: Special interests may certainly attempt to influence a convention, just as they attempt to influence elections and legislation today. But convention delegates are elected by voters, and no proposed constitution can take effect unless Michigan voters ultimately approve it.
Source: Michigan Constitution, Article XII, Section 3.
MYTH: “There’s no guarantee a convention would improve anything.”
FACT: That’s true. There are no guarantees. A Constitutional Convention creates an opportunity—not a predetermined outcome—for elected delegates to examine Michigan’s Constitution and decide what changes, if any, should be proposed.
Whatever the delegates propose would still have to be submitted to Michigan voters for approval or rejection. And, as we explained on the “What Is Michigan Proposal 1?” page, the delegates could conclude that no proposed revision should be submitted at all.
Source: Michigan Constitution, Article XII, Section 3.
MYTH: “Michigan voters have rejected Constitutional Conventions every time they’ve been asked.”
FACT: That’s not true. Michigan voters last said “Yes” to calling a Constitutional Convention in 1961. That convention produced Michigan’s present Constitution—the very Constitution now at the center of the debate over Proposal 1.
Voters approved calling the convention in April 1961 by 596,433 votes to 573,012. The Constitution produced by that convention was subsequently approved by Michigan voters in April 1963.
Source: Citizens Research Council of Michigan, Michigan Constitutional Issues,https://crcmich.org/PUBLICAT/2020s/2026/rpt425-michigan-constitutional-issues.pdf Report 425 (2026).
MYTH: “We already have an amendment process. We can fix anything that needs fixing one issue at a time.”
FACT: Individual amendments can address individual issues. But Michigan’s Constitution has already been amended 39 times on subjects ranging from stem-cell research to sewage-treatment bonds.
Its length has nearly doubled—from roughly 19,000 words in the original document to nearly 37,000 words today. The result has become something of a patchwork. A Constitutional Convention provides an opportunity to step back, examine the document as a whole, and propose a general revision—which Michigan voters remain free to approve or reject.
Source: Citizens Research Council of Michigan, Michigan Constitutional Issues, Report 425 (2026), p. 14.
MYTH: “A Constitutional Convention would cost taxpayers nearly $80 million.”
FACT: The Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency (SFA) does not estimate that a Constitutional Convention will cost taxpayers $80 million. Its new Proposal 1 Overview says the cost of a 2027 convention is difficult to estimate and therefore examines several different ways of projecting what the convention itself might cost.
Using Michigan’s 1961–62 Constitutional Convention as a starting point, SFA estimates approximately $10.2 million in 2027 dollars. Using Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission as a comparison produces an estimate of approximately $1.8 million per month. A third model, based on Oklahoma legislative expenditures, produces the highest estimate—approximately $3.9 million per month.
SFA separately discusses the possible cost of elections associated with the convention process. It estimates that holding three entirely additional statewide elections could exceed $60.9 million—but also states that those elections likely could be held on regularly scheduled election dates, in which case there would be no additional election costs. Nov2026 Prop 1
There is no single $80 million SFA estimate for the cost of a Constitutional Convention.
Source: Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency, Ballot Proposal 26-1: An Overview (2026), pp. 3–6.
MYTH: “A convention would operate behind closed doors without transparency or accountability.”
FACT: There is no reason a 2027 Constitutional Convention should operate behind closed doors. Modern technology can make its proceedings more accessible to Michigan citizens than any previous convention in the state’s history.
Michigan’s last Constitutional Convention used the technology available at the time to create an extensive public record, including nearly 500 hours of audio recordings as well as official journals documenting the proceedings. Those recordings have since been digitized and preserved by the Archives of Michigan.
Today, livestreaming, online archives, remote testimony and electronic submission of public comments provide additional ways for citizens throughout Michigan to observe and participate in the process.
MYTH: “A Constitutional Convention would create years of uncertainty, hurting businesses, investment and jobs.”
FACT: There is no evidence that simply holding a Constitutional Convention would damage Michigan’s economy. Claims that it would hurt jobs, investment or business growth are predictions—not established economic effects.
Michigan held its last Constitutional Convention in 1961–62 while the state continued conducting business under its existing Constitution. Any proposed replacement would subsequently have to be approved by Michigan voters before taking effect.
Source: Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency, Ballot Proposal 26-1: An Overview (2026), pp. 2–3.