Michigan voters decided on 319 ballot measures between 1880 and 2024
Ballotpedia completed an inventory of all Michigan ballot measures since 1880. Michigan voters decided on 319 ballot measures between 1880 and 2024. Of these, 163 (51.1%) were approved and 156 (48.9%) were defeated.
Of these measures, 206 (65%) were placed on the ballot by the state legislature and 102 (32%) through successful citizen initiatives. Voters approved 124 of the legislative referrals (60.2%) and rejected 82. Of the citizen initiatives, 36 (35.3%) were approved and 66 were defeated. The remaining 11 measures were placed on the ballot through other processes, such as automatic constitutional convention questions or constitutional convention referrals.
The inventory of Michigan statewide ballot measures is part of Ballotpedia's Historical Ballot Measure Factbook, which will document nearly 200 years of direct democracy in the United States. This ongoing research effort will provide an unparalleled resource for researchers, reporters, and the voting public on how ballot measures have evolved, the issues they've covered, and the role they have played in our civic life.
Explore the topics below for detailed information:
This section provides a table to search Michigan historical ballot measures by decade and keyword.
This section summarizes notable topics Michigan voters have decided on.
This section highlights measures with the closest and widest margins, as well as the breakdown by topic, decade, and type.
This section describes the process of placing a statewide measure on the ballot.
Historic Ballot Measure Lookup Tool
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Automatic constitutional convention question | Constitutional Convention Question | Asks voters whether to hold a state constitutional convention | On the ballot |
| 2022 | LRCA | Proposal 1 | Change the term limits for state legislators from three 2-year terms (6 years) in the state House and two 4-year terms (8 years) in the state Senate to 12 combined years in the Legislature | Approved |
| 2022 | CICA | Proposal 2 | Add several election and voting policies to the Michigan Constitution | Approved |
| 2022 | CICA | Proposal 3 | Provide a state constitutional right to reproductive freedom, defined to include abortion, contraceptives, and pregnancy-related matters | Approved |
| 2020 | LRCA | Proposal 1 | Revises formula for how state and local park funds from trusts can be spent | Approved |
| 2020 | LRCA | Proposal 2 | Requires search warrant to access a person's electronic data | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | IndISS | Proposal 1 | Legalize the recreational use and possession of marijuana | Approved |
| 2018 | CICA | Proposal 2 | Transfer the power to draw the state's congressional and legislative districts from the Michigan State Legislature to an independent redistricting commission | Approved |
| 2018 | CICA | Proposal 3 | Add eight voting policies to the Michigan Constitution, including straight-ticket voting, automatic voter registration, same-day voter registration, and no-excuse absentee voting | Approved |
| 2015 | LRCA | Proposal 1 | Increase the fuel tax, eliminate the sales and use tax on fuel, increase the sales and use tax on non-fuel items, and increase the Earned Income Tax Credit | Defeated |
| 2014 | VR | Proposal 2 | Allow the Natural Resources Commission to directly designate game species and determine hunting seasons | Defeated |
| 2014 | LRSS | Proposal 1 | Exempt commercial and industrial personal property from the Personal Property Tax | Approved |
| 2014 | VR | Proposal 1 | Allow for establishing wolf hunting seasons and designated the wolf as a game animal | Defeated |
| 2012 | VR | Proposal 1 | Establish provisions relating to the appointment of an emergency manager upon the finding of a fiscal emergency | Defeated |
| 2012 | CICA | Proposal 2 | Establish a constitutional right for public and private employees to organize and bargain collectively | Defeated |
| 2012 | CICA | Proposal 3 | Require, by 2025, that 25% of annual sales of electricity to be from renewable energy sources and establish provisions to achieve such requirement | Defeated |
| 2012 | CICA | Proposal 4 | Allow in-home care workers to collectively bargain | Defeated |
| 2012 | CICA | Proposal 5 | Require a two-thirds vote of the Michigan State House and Senate or voter approval at a statewide November election to enact new taxes, increase tax rates, or expand the tax base | Defeated |
| 2012 | CICA | Proposal 6 | Require approval from a majority of voters statewide and in each municipality where a new international bridge or tunnel would be located before the state could spend funds or resources on the project | Defeated |
| 2010 | Automatic constitutional convention question | Proposal 10-01 | Call a constitutional convention to revise the state constitution | Defeated |
| 2010 | LRCA | Proposal 10-2 | Prohibit certain felons from holding certain positions for public office and public employment | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | IndISS | Proposal 08-1 | Permit the use and growth of marijuana for medicinal purposes, with certain restrictions | Approved |
| 2008 | CICA | Proposal 08-2 | Expand the use of stem cells in research | Approved |
| 2006 | LRCA | Proposal 06-1 | Establish the Conservation and Recreation Legacy Fund and establish that funds from this fund and other certain funds may only be used for conservation and recreation | Approved |
| 2006 | VR | Proposal 06-3 | Establish a mourning dove hunting season | Defeated |
| 2006 | LRCA | Proposal 06-4 | Establish limitations on the taking of private property through eminent domain | Approved |
| 2006 | CICA | Proposal 06-2 | Prohibit the state from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, and public contracting | Approved |
| 2006 | IndISS | Proposal 5 | Increase the funding for public schools and revise provisions relating to public school funding | Defeated |
| 2004 | CICA | Proposal 04-1 | Require voter approval for gambling, with certain exceptions | Approved |
| 2004 | CICA | Proposal 04-2 | Establish the definition of "marriage or any similar union" as "the union of one man and one woman" | Approved |
| 2002 | VR | Proposal 02-1 | Eliminate the straight party ticket voting option | Defeated |
| 2002 | LRCA | Proposal 02-1 | Amend provisions relating to the operation of the State Officers Compensation Commission | Approved |
| 2002 | LRCA | Proposal 02-2 | Allow for the investment of certain funds and increase the allowed amount of spending for outdoor recreation | Approved |
| 2002 | BI | Proposal 02-2 | Authorize up to $1 billion in bonds for water quality projects | Approved |
| 2002 | CICA | Proposal 02-3 | Give state employees the right to collectively bargain with binding arbitration | Defeated |
| 2002 | CICA | Proposal 02-4 | Establish the allocation of funds from tobacco settlement revenue | Defeated |
| 2000 | CICA | Proposal 1 | Establish a state-funded voucher program to allow students in qualified school districts to use vouchers for nonpublic school tuition | Defeated |
| 2000 | CICA | Proposal 2 | Require two-thirds (66.67%) vote of the state Legislature to pass certain laws affecting local governments | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | LRCA | Proposal A | Change the word "handicapped" to "disabled" in Article VIII, Section 8 of the state constitution | Approved |
| 1998 | IndISS | Proposal B | Allow physicians to prescribe lethal doses of medications to terminally-ill adult patients, under certain criteria | Defeated |
| 1998 | BI | Proposal C | Allow for the issuance of bonds for environmental and natural resources protection programs | Approved |
| 1996 | VR | Proposal A | Make changes to relating to certain forms of gaming | Defeated |
| 1996 | LRCA | Proposal B | Establish qualifications for judicial officers | Approved |
| 1996 | LRCA | Proposal C | Establish the Michigan Veterans' Trust Fund in the state constitution and require expenditures from the fund be approved by the fund's Board of Trustees | Approved |
| 1996 | IndISS | Proposal D | Establish limitations on bear hunting | Defeated |
| 1996 | IndISS | Proposal E | Allow gambling casinos in cities that meet certain criteria, establish the Gaming Control Board to regulate casino gambling, and create an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue | Approved |
| 1996 | VR | Proposal G | Give the Natural Resources Commission the ability to make decisions relating to regulations on the taking of game | Approved |
| 1994 | Automatic constitutional convention question | Proposal A | Convene a constitutional convention to revise the state constitution | Defeated |
| 1994 | LRCA | Proposal A | Raise the state sales tax, establish taxation limitations, and require a 3/4 vote for increasing school operating millage rates beyond the statutorily-set rate | Approved |
| 1994 | LRCA | Proposal B | Require those who plead guilty or nolo contendre to a criminal offense to get the court's permission to appeal their conviction | Approved |
| 1994 | VR | Proposal C | Change laws relating to auto insurance coverage | Defeated |
| 1994 | LRCA | Proposal P | Establish the Michigan State Parks Endowment Fund and increase the maximum amount of funds allowed in the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund | Approved |
| 1993 | LRCA | Proposal A | Change laws relating to taxation amounts and school funding | Defeated |
| 1992 | LRCA | Ballot Proposal A | Limit increases to homestead property tax assessments and establish tax limitations for different property classifications | Defeated |
| 1992 | CICA | Ballot Proposal B | Enact term limits for congressional, state executive, and state legislative officials | Approved |
| 1992 | CICA | Ballot Proposal C | Exempt portions of school property from taxation and limit increases on property tax assessments | Defeated |
| 1992 | IndISS | Ballot Proposal D | Change laws regarding auto insurance rates and lawsuits | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | LRCA | Proposal A | Increase the state sales and use tax to fund local schools | Defeated |
| 1989 | LRCA | Proposal B | Increase the sales and use tax, reduce school property taxes, and establish school funding | Defeated |
| 1988 | VR | Proposal A | Prohibit public spending on abortions for public assistance recipients | Approved |
| 1988 | LRCA | Proposal B | Establish rights for crime victims | Approved |
| 1988 | BI | Proposal C | Allow for the issuance of bonds to finance environmental protection programs | Approved |
| 1988 | BI | Proposal D | Authorize bonds for recreation projects | Approved |
| 1986 | LRCA | Proposal A | Provide for the establishment of a state library within the legislative branch | Defeated |
| 1986 | LRCA | Proposal B | Allow the state legislature to make decisions on administrative rules proposed by state agencies | Defeated |
| 1986 | LRCA | Proposal C | Give the State Officers Compensation Commission the authority to establish salaries and expense allowances for the Secretary of State and Attorney General | Defeated |
| 1984 | LRCA | Proposal A | Allow the state legislature to make decisions on the implementation of administrative agencies' rules | Defeated |
| 1984 | LRCA | Proposal B | Create the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and establish a board to manage the fund | Approved |
| 1984 | CICA | Proposal C | Require voter approval for the adoption of new taxes or tax increases and amend certain taxes | Defeated |
| 1982 | LRCA | Proposal A | Allow the legislature to amend the section of the state constitution relating to legislative immunity | Approved |
| 1982 | CICA | Proposal B | Establish the Michigan Department of State Police as a department created by the state constitution and establish provisions relating to the administration of the Michigan Department of State Police | Defeated |
| 1982 | IndISS | Proposal C | Change laws relating to when a foreclosure may occur | Defeated |
| 1982 | IndISS | Proposal D | Require hearings for utility rate increases and establish limitations on utility rate increases | Approved |
| 1982 | IndISS | Proposal E | Require a communication be sent from the state government to the president and other federal officials requesting that the US propose a nuclear weapons freeze with the USSR | Approved |
| 1982 | CICA | Proposal G | Establish the Public Service Commission as an elected office | Defeated |
| 1982 | VR | Proposal H | Require hearings for utility rate increases and prohibit members of the legislature from working for utility companies for two years after leaving office | Approved |
| 1981 | LRCA | Proposal A | Reduce certain taxes, raise the sales tax with additional funds going to local governments and schools, and direct lottery profits to the school aid fund | Defeated |
| 1980 | CICA | Proposal A | Revise provisions relating to school funding and establish a property tax break for those 65 and older | Defeated |
| 1980 | LRCA | Proposal B | Lower the state's drinking age to 19 | Defeated |
| 1980 | LRCA | Proposal C | Exempt part of home property taxes, eliminate sales tax on home energy, raise the state sales tax by 1.5 percentage points, dedicate lottery revenue to schools, and require a state rainy day fund | Defeated |
| 1980 | CICA | Proposal D | Require 60% voter approval for new taxes and tax increases and revise various other tax provisions | Defeated |
| 1980 | VR | Proposal E | Provide for development of new correctional facilities and the demolition of an old correctional facility and fund such through a 0.1% income tax increase for five years | Defeated |
| 1980 | LRCA | Proposal G | Allow the legislature to make changes relating to the civil immunity of members of the legislature | Defeated |
| 1980 | LRCA | Proposal H | Establish provisions relating to vacancies in the office of lieutenant governor and relating to the lieutenant governor's powers | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Automatic constitutional convention question | Proposal A | Call a constitutional convention to revise the state constitution | Defeated |
| 1978 | IndISS | Proposal B | Prohibit prisoners convicted of certain crimes from being granted parole prior to serving the minimum sentence imposed for the crime | Approved |
| 1978 | LRCA | Proposal C | Allow the state to deposit state funds into savings and loan associations, credit unions, and banks | Approved |
| 1978 | CICA | Proposal D | Prohibit the sale or giving of an alcoholic beverage to anyone under the age of 21 and prohibit the possession for personal consumption of an alcoholic beverage by anyone under the age of 21 | Approved |
| 1978 | CICA | Proposal E | Establish limits on taxation and establish funding requirements for local programs | Approved |
| 1978 | CICA | Proposal G | Allow state troopers and sergeants to collectively bargain with binding arbitration and establish procedures for determining promotions | Approved |
| 1978 | CICA | Proposal H | Prohibit property taxes for funding school operating expenses, require the legislature to establish a general state tax to provide school funding, and require the legislature to create an education voucher program | Defeated |
| 1978 | CICA | Proposal J | Establish tax limitations and require the state to fully fund any new or expanded local programs that the state deems required | Defeated |
| 1978 | LRCA | Proposal K | Allow courts, under certain conditions, to deny bail | Approved |
| 1978 | LRCA | Proposal M | Require at least 90% of the gas and license tax revenue be used for road purposes, amend other provisions relating to transportation funding, and replace the State Highway Commission with the State Transportation Commission | Approved |
| 1978 | LRCA | Proposal R | Require the establishment of the Railroad Redevelopment Authority and authorize such Authority to issues bonds and make loans | Defeated |
| 1976 | IndISS | Proposal A | Require the use of returnable beverage containers and establish a deposit and repayment of deposit system for such containers | Approved |
| 1976 | LRCA | Proposal B | Set the minimum age for state senator and representative as 18 and establish certain qualifications for state legislators | Defeated |
| 1976 | CICA | Proposal C | Establish limitations on taxation amounts | Defeated |
| 1976 | CICA | Proposal D | Establish a graduated income tax | Defeated |
| 1974 | LRCA | Proposal A | Establish limitations on the use of motor fuel tax funds | Defeated |
| 1974 | BI | Proposal B | Allow the state to provide a bonus to veterans who served between January 1, 1961 and September 1, 1974 and allow the state to issue bonds to fund such bonus | Approved |
| 1974 | CICA | Proposal C | Remove the sales tax on prescription drugs and food | Approved |
| 1974 | BI | Proposal D | Allow the state to issue bonds for the development of transportation systems | Defeated |
| 1972 | LRCA | Proposal A | Allow the state to authorize lotteries and authorize the sale of lottery tickets | Approved |
| 1972 | IndISS | Proposal A | Set Daylight Saving Time as the last Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October | Approved |
| 1972 | LRCA | Proposal A | Allow trial by a jury of less than 12 members in any court if the trial is regarding a misdemeanor offense punishable by no more than one year's imprisonment | Approved |
| 1972 | IndISS | Proposal B | Allow physicians to perform abortions when a woman's period of gestation has not exceeded 20 weeks | Defeated |
| 1972 | LRCA | Proposal B | Allow members of the legislature to be elected or appointed to a different office while serving their term but require them to resign from the legislature before accepting the new office | Defeated |
| 1972 | CICA | Proposal C | Limit the purposes a property tax may be for and require the legislature establish a taxation program to fund schools | Defeated |
| 1972 | CICA | Proposal D | Allow the state and political subdivisions to impose a graduated income tax | Defeated |
| 1972 | BI | Proposal E | Allow the state to issue bonds to fund tuition payments and services bonuses for veterans | Defeated |
| 1970 | BI | Proposal A | Allow the state to issue bonds for the funding of low income housing | Defeated |
| 1970 | LRCA | Proposal B | Lower the voting age to 18 years | Defeated |
| 1970 | CICA | Proposal C | Prohibit the use of public funds for non-public schools | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | LRCA | Proposal No. 1 | Allow the state and political subdivisions to impose a graduated income tax | Defeated |
| 1968 | LRCA | Proposal No. 1 | Establish the Judicial Tenure Commission | Approved |
| 1968 | VR | Proposal No. 2 | Exempt Michigan from observing Daylight Savings Time | Defeated |
| 1968 | LRCA | Proposal No. 2 | Establish a State Officers Compensation Commission | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | Proposal No. 3 | Allow the governor to appoint judges to fill judicial vacancies | Approved |
| 1968 | BI | Proposal No. 3 | Allow the issuance of bond to finance water pollution abatement projects | Approved |
| 1968 | BI | Proposal No. 4 | Allow the issuance of bonds to pay for public recreation facilities and programs | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | Proposal No. 5 | Allow a member of the legislature to be elected to another state office during their term in the legislature | Defeated |
| 1966 | LRCA | Proposal No. 1 | Lower the minimum voting age to 18 years | Defeated |
| 1964 | VR | Repeal Straight-Ticket Voting Referendum | Eliminate the straight party ticket voting system | Defeated |
| 1963 | CCRCA | State Constitution Ratification Question | Adopt the revised state constitution | Approved |
| 1962 | LRCA | Allow Legislature to Provide for Revision of State Statutes Amendment | Allow the legislature to provide for a general revision of the statutes | Approved |
| 1961 | LRCA | Aid for Development Amendment | Allow the state to provide financial aid for industrial, manufacturing, and municipal development projects | Defeated |
| 1961 | Automatic constitutional convention question | Constitutional Convention Question | Call a constitutional convention to revise the state constitution | Approved |
| 1960 | CICA | Proposal 3 | Establish procedures for proposing a constitutional convention every 16 years | Approved |
| 1960 | LRCA | Proposal 1 | Allow the state to borrow money to make loans to school districts and allow school districts to levy taxes to repay loans and bonds | Approved |
| 1960 | LRCA | Proposal 2 | Increase the maximum sales tax rate to 4% | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | LRCA | Proposal No. 1 | Allow the legislature to provide for the continuity of state and local government in times of emergency | Approved |
| 1959 | LRCA | Proposal No. 2 | Change the name of the governing body of Michigan State University | Approved |
| 1959 | LRCA | Proposal No. 3 | Establish a Board of Governors for Wayne State University | Approved |
| 1958 | Automatic constitutional convention question | Constitutional Convention Question | Call a constitutional convention to revise the state constitution | Defeated |
| 1956 | LRCA | Qualifications for Members of the Legislature Amendment | Establish qualifications for members of the state legislature | Approved |
| 1955 | LRCA | Proposal 3 | Authorize the state to borrow up to $100 million for loans to certain school districts and permit tax levies to repay school bonds | Approved |
| 1955 | LRCA | Proposal No. 1 | Establish that the legislature set the procedures for filling judicial offices | Approved |
| 1955 | LRCA | Proposasl No. 2 | Establish qualifications for Supreme Court justices and circuit court judges | Approved |
| 1955 | LRCA | Proposal No. 4 | Establish a bipartisan board of state canvassers | Approved |
| 1954 | LRCA | Proposal No. 1 | Allow a voter who has moved within 30 days prior to an election to vote where they are registered | Approved |
| 1954 | LRCA | Proposal No. 2 | Establish a maximum sales tax levy and establish how sales tax revenue shall be distributed | Approved |
| 1954 | LRCA | Proposal No. 3 | Allow the state to borrow up to $80,000,000 for bonuses to those who served in the Korean War | Approved |
| 1954 | LRCA | Proposal No. 4 | Allow charitable organizations to conduct lotteries | Defeated |
| 1952 | LRCA | Proposal 1 | Allow narcotic drugs seized without a search warrant or lawful arrest to be used as evidence in criminal proceedings | Approved |
| 1952 | CICA | Proposal 2 | Provide for decennial redistricting by the secretary of state, with a 33-member Senate, 99-member House, and population-based districts | Defeated |
| 1952 | CICA | Proposal 3 | Provide for a 34-member Senate with fixed districts, a House of up to 110 members with districts drawn by the legislature using population formulas, and redistricting after each census | Approved |
| 1951 | LRCA | Proposal 1 | Establish annual regular legislative sessions for the Michigan State Legislature | Approved |
| 1951 | LRCA | Proposal No. 2 | Authorize a military death benefit bonus | Approved |
| 1951 | LRCA | Proposal No. 3 | Allow the salaries of Supreme Court justices to be increased during their term of office | Defeated |
| 1950 | LRCA | Proposal 1 | Increase the voter residency requirement in a city or township from 20 to 30 days before an election, among other changes | Approved |
| 1950 | LRCA | Proposal 3 | Define subversion as attempts to overthrow the government by unlawful means, make it a crime, and bar free speech or press as a defense in related trials | Approved |
| 1950 | LRCA | Proposal No. 2 | Allow for the issuance of bonds to fund specialized hospitals and specialized schools | Approved |
| 1950 | VR | Proposal No. 4 | Allow for the sale of yellow oleomargarine with certain conditions | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 | LRCCQ | Constitutional Convention Question | Call a constitutional convention to revise the state constitution | Defeated |
| 1948 | CICA | Proposal No. 5 | Allow local governments to increase property tax limits for up to twenty years with approval from a majority of voters | Approved |
| 1948 | LRCA | Proposal No. 1 | Establish the order of succession for the office of governor in case of a vacancy in the office of governor | Approved |
| 1948 | LRCA | Proposal No. 2 | Repeal Section 23, Article 10, relating to the return of sales tax revenues, from the state constitution | Defeated |
| 1948 | LRCA | Proposal No. 3 | Establish that the salaries of certain state officials be set by law | Approved |
| 1948 | LRCA | Proposal No. 4 | Establish the method for determining compensation and expenses for members of the legislature | Approved |
| 1948 | VR | Proposal No. 6 | Establish procedures for foreign agencies acting within Michigan and establish penalties for violations of such procedures | Approved |
| 1946 | LRCA | Proposal No. 1 | Establish limits on what internal improvements the state can assist with | Approved |
| 1946 | CICA | Proposal No. 2 | Return one cent of every dollar of sales tax revenue to political subdivisions and provide for annual grants to schools | Approved |
| 1946 | LRCA | Proposal No. 3 | Authorize the issuance of bonds for payments to World War II veterans | Approved |
| 1945 | LRCA | Proposal 1 | Increase the tax millage for certain purposes | Defeated |
| 1945 | LRCA | Proposal 2 | Allow the state to aid in the improvement of waterways | Approved |
| 1944 | LRCA | Proposal No. 1 | Allow the legislative bodies of villages and cities to establish how much water may be provided to places outside the corporate limits of the village or city | Approved |
| 1944 | LRCA | Proposal No. 2 | Allow members of the legislature to run and be elected to other state offices while during their term as legislator, provided that the term for the legislature and the other state office do not overlap | Defeated |
| 1944 | LRCA | Proposal No. 3 | Set the compensation of members of the legislature at $5.00 per day during their term of office | Defeated |
| 1944 | CICA | Proposal No. 4 | Allow Wayne County to adopt a charter | Defeated |
| 1943 | LRCA | Proposal No. 1 | Provide for the election of township officers for terms of 2 years | Approved |
| 1943 | LRCA | Proposal No. 2 | Validate certain alienations and mortgages on homestead properties after 25 years | Approved |
| 1942 | Automatic constitutional convention question | Proposal No. 1 | Call a constitutional convention | Defeated |
| 1942 | CICA | Proposal No. 2 | Allow Wayne County to adopt a charter | Defeated |
| 1942 | VR | Proposal No. 3 | Establish the Milk Marketing Board and establish provisions relating to its powers | Defeated |
| 1941 | LRCA | Proposal 1 | Require that signatures for constitutional amendment petitions come from qualified and registered electors | Approved |
| 1941 | LRCA | Proposal 2 | Require that signatures for statute and referendum petitions come from qualified and registered electors | Approved |
| 1940 | LRCA | Proposal 1 | Allow school districts to exceed the 15 mill limitation for building purposes | Defeated |
| 1940 | CICA | Proposal No. 2 | Establish a new state system of civil service | Approved |
| 1940 | VR | Proposal No. 3 | Require any common or contract motor carrier on public highways to obtain a certificate or permit to do so, with certain exceptions | Defeated |
| 1940 | VR | Proposal No. 4 | Establish regulations on dentistry | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1939 | LRCA | Proposal 1 | Establish non-partisan elections for certain judicial offices | Approved |
| 1939 | LRCA | Proposal No. 2 | Give Circuit Court Commissioners the same powers as Justices of the Peace | Defeated |
| 1938 | CICA | Proposal 3 | Require that revenue from gasoline and license plate taxes be used only for highway purposes | Approved |
| 1938 | CICA | Proposal No. 1 | Establish four-year terms for the county clerk, county prosecuting attorney, county sheriff, county treasurer, and county register of deeds | Defeated |
| 1938 | CICA | Proposal No. 2 | Establish the non-partisan appointment and nomination process for supreme court justices and establish the term of supreme court justices as eight years | Defeated |
| 1938 | VR | Proposal No. 4 | Create the State Department of Public Assistance to manage welfare and relief matters | Defeated |
| 1936 | LRCA | Proposal No. 1 | Allow dangerous weapons to be introduced as evidence in criminal proceedings | Approved |
| 1936 | LRCA | Proposal No. 2 | Establish provisions for the incorporation of counties | Defeated |
| 1936 | CICA | Proposal No. 3 | Exempt certain food products from taxation | Defeated |
| 1936 | CICA | Proposal No. 4 | Prohibit certain property taxes and establish an income tax | Defeated |
| 1935 | LRCA | Proposal No. 1 | Establish that the state board of canvassers determines contested elections and elections with tie votes | Approved |
| 1934 | VR | Funds for Unemployment Projects Referendum | Authorize funds to be spent for construction projects to relieve unemployment | Defeated |
| 1934 | CICA | Proposal No. 1 | Establish the process for judicial elections and establish that judicial elections are non-partisan | Defeated |
| 1934 | CICA | Proposal No. 2 | Establish regulations on gasoline and fuel taxes | Defeated |
| 1934 | CICA | Proposal No. 3 | Establish regulations on fees and taxes for motor vehicles | Defeated |
| 1934 | CICA | Proposal No. 4 | Allow county governments to adopt home rule | Defeated |
| 1934 | CICA | Proposal No. 5 | Allow for the classification of property for taxation purposes and establish an income tax to fund schools | Defeated |
| 1934 | LRCA | Proposal No. 6 | Increase the jurisdiction of justices of the peace in cities with more than 250,000 people to cases involving up to $1,500 | Defeated |
| 1932 | CICA | Proposal 2 | Limit annual property taxes to 1.5% of a property's assessed value | Approved |
| 1932 | LRCA | Proposal 7 | Allow only property taxpayers or their spouses to vote in elections involving the expenditure of public funds or the issuance of bonds | Approved |
| 1932 | CICA | Proposal No. 1 | Repeal the prohibition on alcohol, establish a liquor control commission, and establish an excise tax on alcohol sales | Approved |
| 1932 | CICA | Proposal No. 3 | Establish the length of terms for senators as four years and provide for the apportionment of representatives | Defeated |
| 1932 | CICA | Proposal No. 4 | Establish a tax exemption for certain household goods and homesteads | Defeated |
| 1932 | LRCA | Proposal No. 5 | Establish voter residency requirements and establish regulations on township polling places | Approved |
| 1932 | LRCA | Proposal No. 6 | Prohibit pardons for those convicted for first degree murder and provide for a new trial with the discovery of new evidence | Defeated |
| 1932 | VR | Proposal No. 8 | Establish regulations on the manufacture and sale of oleomargarine | Defeated |
| 1931 | VR | Death Penalty Referendum | Define murder in the first degree and establish the death penalty as the penalty for such crime | Defeated |
| 1931 | LRCA | Funding for Landing Field Improvements Amendment | Allow the state to fund the improvement of landing fields | Defeated |
| 1931 | LRCA | Outstanding Bonded Indebtedness Amendment | Allow the state to borrow money and issue bonds to pay outstanding bonded indebtedness | Defeated |
| 1930 | CICA | Apportionment of the State Legislature Initiative | Establish provisions relating to the apportionment of members of the state legislature | Defeated |
| 1930 | VR | Cigarette Tax Referendum | Establish a tax on cigarettes | Defeated |
| 1930 | LRCA | Funding for Waterway Improvements Amendment | Authorize the state to aid in the improvement of waterways | Defeated |
| 1930 | LRCA | Increase Exemption Amount for Primary Residence from Forced Sale Amendment | Increase the amount of a primary residence, including land and a dwelling, that is exempt from forced sale to satisfy debts to at least $3,000 | Defeated |
| 1930 | LRCA | Township Officer Elections Amendment | Establish procedures relative to the election of township officers | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1928 | LRCA | Compensation of the Legislature Amendment | Establish provisions relating to how to compensate members of the legislature | Approved |
| 1928 | LRCA | Establishment of Legislative Districts Amendment | Establish procedures relating to the establishment of legislative districts | Approved |
| 1928 | LRCA | Land for Road Improvements Amendment | Establish procedures for acquiring land for the improvement of roads | Approved |
| 1927 | LRCA | Creation of Metropolitan Districts Amendment | Create metropolitan districts | Approved |
| 1926 | LRCA | Compensation for Members of the Legislature Amendment | Set the compensation rate for members of the legislature | Defeated |
| 1926 | LRCA | Condemnation of Excess Property for Road Improvements Amendment | Allow municipalities to take excess property when condemning property for road improvements | Defeated |
| 1926 | Automatic constitutional convention question | Constitutional Convention Question | Call a constitutional convention to revise the state constitution | Defeated |
| 1926 | LRCA | Creation of Metropolitan Districts Amendment | Establish provisions for the creation of metropolitan districts | Defeated |
| 1926 | LRCA | Office of County Sheriff Amendment | Establish the term and duty of the office of county sheriff | Approved |
| 1924 | CICA | Compulsory Public School Attendance Initiative | Require children ages seven to sixteen to attend public school until they graduate eighth grade | Defeated |
| 1924 | CICA | Establishment of Legislative Districts Initiative | Establish the procedures for dividing the state into legislative districts | Defeated |
| 1924 | CICA | Graduated Income Tax Initiative | Enact a graduated income tax | Defeated |
| 1923 | LRCA | Incorporation of Ports and Port Districts Amendment | Authorize the legislature to incorporate ports and port districts and give the incorporated ports and port districts the ability to perform internal improvements | Approved |
| 1922 | LRCA | Excess Condemnation for Public Purposes Amendment | Allow the legislature to authorize the municipalities to condemn excess property for certain public purposes | Defeated |
| 1922 | LRCA | Income Tax Amendment | Allow for the enactment of an income tax | Defeated |
| 1922 | LRCA | Incorporation of Ports and Port Districts Amendment | Authorize the legislature to incorporate ports and port districts and give the incorporated ports and port districts the ability to perform internal improvements | Defeated |
| 1921 | LRCA | Bonuses for World War I Veterans Amendment | Authorize the state to borrow up to $30 million to pay a $15 bonus for each month of service to World War I veterans | Approved |
| 1920 | LRCA | Compensation of State Officers Amendment | Allow the legislature to set the salaries of certain state officers | Defeated |
| 1920 | CICA | Compulsory Public School Attendance Initiative | Require children between ages five and sixteen to attend public school until they have graduated from eighth grade | Defeated |
| 1920 | LRCA | Condemnation of Excess Property Amendment | Authorize the legislature to allow municipalities to condemn excess property when making certain public improvements | Defeated |
| 1920 | LRCA | Extend Absentee Voting and Require Naturalization for Foreign-Born Residents to Vote Amendment | Extend absentee voting to teachers and legislators' families and require foreign-born residents who can vote to naturalize by January 1, 1924, to continue voting | Approved |
| 1920 | LRCA | Hours and Conditions for Work Amendment | Allow the legislature to create regulations on the hours and conditions for employment | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1919 | LRCA | Money for Highway Improvements Amendment | Allow the state to borrow money and issue bonds for highway improvement | Approved |
| 1919 | CICA | Permission for Alcohol Initiative | Permit the import, transport, manufacture, use, buying, selling, keeping for sale, giving away, bartering, and furnishing of alcohol | Defeated |
| 1919 | LRCA | Salaries of Public Officers Amendment | Prohibit the increase and decrease of public officers' salaries, with certain exceptions | Defeated |
| 1918 | LRCA | Printing of Ballot Measures Amendment | Require that all constitutional amendments and special questions be printed on a single ballot | Approved |
| 1918 | LRCA | Women's Suffrage Amendment | Provide for women's suffrage in state constitution | Approved |
| 1917 | LRCA | Absentee Voter Qualifications Amendment | Allow those who are part of the military, who work on the railroads, or who are sailors and thus are absent from their residence to vote | Approved |
| 1917 | LRCA | Drainage District Bonds Amendment | Allow drainage districts to issue bonds for drainage purposes | Approved |
| 1917 | LRCA | Improvement of Transportation Routes Amendment | Expand the State's ability to improve transportation routes | Approved |
| 1917 | LRCA | Salaries of Certain State Officers Amendment | Increase the salaries of the Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and Auditor General | Defeated |
| 1917 | LRCA | State Control of Railroad Property Amendment | Allow the state to control railroads and railroad property belong to any railroad company under a special charter | Approved |
| 1916 | LRCA | Allow Legislative Repeal of Local or Special Acts Without Local Approval | Amend the right to repeal acts of local and special laws of the legislature | Approved |
| 1916 | LRCA | Municipalities' Decisions on the Prohibition of Alcohol Amendment | Allow individual municipalities to decide on the prohibition of alcohol in the municipality | Defeated |
| 1916 | LRCA | Prohibition of Alcohol Amendment | Prohibit alcohol, with certain exceptions | Approved |
| 1916 | CICA | Regulations on Fraternal Benefit Societies Initiative | Establish regulations on fraternal benefit societies | Defeated |
| 1915 | LRCA | Bonds for Drainage Purposes Amendment | Allow drainage districts to issue bonds for drainage purposes | Defeated |
| 1914 | LRCA | Absentee Voting Amendment | Revise provisions of the constitution relative to absentee voting | Approved |
| 1914 | LRCA | Bonds for Drains and Agricultural Lands Amendment | Allow counties to issue bonds for the construction of drains and the improvement of agricultural lands | Defeated |
| 1914 | LRCA | Bonds for Public Wagon Roads Amendment | Allow the state to issue bonds for the improvement of public wagon roads | Defeated |
| 1914 | CICA | Regulation of Fraternal Beneficiary Societies Initiative | Revise provisions relating to the regulation of fraternal beneficiary societies | Defeated |
| 1913 | LRCA | Initiatives and Referendums for Statutes Amendment | Revise constitutional provisions relating to initiatives and referendums for statutes | Approved |
| 1913 | LRCA | Initiatives for Constitutional Amendments Amendment | Revise constitutional provisions relating to initiatives for constitutional amendments | Approved |
| 1913 | LRCA | Recall of Elective Officers Amendment | Revise provisions relating to the recall of elective officers | Approved |
| 1913 | LRCA | Relief, Insurance, and Pensions for Fire Department Members Amendment | Amend provisions relating to relief, insurance, and pensions for fire department members | Defeated |
| 1913 | LRCA | Women's Suffrage Amendment | Provide for women's suffrage in state constitution | Defeated |
| 1912 | LRCA | Amendments to City and Village Charters Amendment | Amend constitutional provisions relating to the amendment of city and village charters | Approved |
| 1912 | LRCA | Women's Suffrage Amendment | Provides for women's suffrage in state constitution | Defeated |
| 1911 | LRCA | Funds for Primary Schools Amendment | Amend the distribution of funds for primary schools | Approved |
| 1910 | LRCA | Increase Bonded Indebtedness for Certain Counties Amendment | Allow counties with an assessed valuation of $5,000,000 or less to raise their bonded indebtedness to 5% of their assessed valuation | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1908 | CCRCA | Constitution Revision Measure | Ratify the Michigan Constitution of 1908 | Approved |
| 1908 | LRCA | Taxation of Property by a State Board of Assessors Amendment | Revise amendments to the constitution relating to the taxation of property by a state board of assessors | Approved |
| 1907 | LRCA | Additional Compensation of Circuit Court Judges Amendment | Allow certain counties to provide additional compensation to circuit court judges | Approved |
| 1907 | LRCA | County Boards of Auditors Amendment | Provide a board of county auditors for Bay, Cheboygan, and St. Clair counties | Approved |
| 1907 | LRCA | Repeal of Prohibition on Teaching Convicts Mechanical Trades Amendment | Remove the prohibition on teaching convicts mechanical trades in state prisons | Approved |
| 1906 | LRCCQ | Constitutional Convention Question | Call a state constitutional convention | Approved |
| 1905 | LRCA | Board of County Auditors for Genesee County Amendment | Establish a board of county auditors for Genesee County | Approved |
| 1905 | LRCA | Compensation of Circuit Court Judges in Genesee County Amendment | Amend constitutional provisions relating to the compensation of circuit court judges in Genesee County | Approved |
| 1905 | LRCA | State Aid in Improving Public Wagon Roads Amendment | Allow the state to aid in the improvement of public wagon roads | Approved |
| 1904 | LRCCQ | Constitutional Convention Question | Hold a constitutional convention to revise the state constitution | Defeated |
| 1904 | LRCA | Repeal the Limitation on Bill Introduction Times Amendment | Repeal the limitation on when bills can be introduced | Approved |
| 1903 | LRCA | Boards of County Auditors Amendment | Establish Boards of County Auditors in Saginaw, Jack, Washtenaw, and Kent counties | Approved |
| 1903 | LRCA | Payment of Circuit Court Judges Amendment | Amend the constitution relative to the payment of circuit court judges in certain counties | Approved |
| 1902 | LRCA | Indeterminate Sentences Amendment | Allow the legislature to establish indeterminate sentences for crimes and provide for a parole system | Approved |
| 1902 | LRCA | Publishing of General Laws Amendment | Amend the constitution relative to the publishing of general laws in newspapers and compensation for doing so | Approved |
| 1901 | LRCA | Bay County Circuit Court Judge Salary Amendment | Amend the state constitution relative to the circuit courts | Defeated |
| 1901 | LRCA | Salary of Members of Legislature Amendment | Establish the salary of members of the legislature as $1,000 per term | Defeated |
| 1900 | LRCA | Taxation of Corporations Amendment | Revise the taxation of corporations | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1899 | LRCA | Circuit Courts Amendment | Amend the state constitution relative to circuit courts | Approved |
| 1899 | LRCA | Improvement of Roads Amendment | Allow county debt up to 3% of assessed value for county road systems with voter approval | Approved |
| 1899 | LRCA | Establish Intermediate Appellate Court Amendment | Create an intermediate court between the circuit and supreme courts | Defeated |
| 1899 | LRCA | State Printing Office Amendment | Establish a state printing office in Lansing | Defeated |
| 1898 | Automatic constitutional convention question | Constitutional Convention Question | Hold a state constitution convention | Defeated |
| 1897 | LRCA | Kent County Board of Auditors Amendment | Establish a board of auditors for Kent County | Defeated |
| 1897 | LRCA | Salary of the Attorney General Amendment | Amend the constitution relative to the salary of the attorney general | Defeated |
| 1895 | LRCA | Circuit Court Districts and Elections Amendment | Establish districts for circuit court judge elections | Defeated |
| 1895 | LRCA | Salaries of State Officers Amendment | Amend the state constitution relative to the salaries of state officers | Defeated |
| 1894 | LRCA | Allow Veterans in Soldiers' Homes to Establish Residency for Voting Amendment | Allow those living in soldiers' homes to vote in the location where the home is located | Approved |
| 1894 | LRCA | Remove Suffrage for Noncitizens with Citizenship Intent Amendment | End the practice of allowing foreign-born male residents who had lived in Michigan for at least two-and-a-half years and declared their intent to become citizens to vote | Approved |
| 1893 | LRCA | Authorize Grand Rapids to Issue Bonds for Grand River Navigation Improvements Amendment | Allow the city of Grand Rapids to issue bonds for improving the navigation of the Grand River | Approved |
| 1893 | LRCA | Jurisdiction of the Circuit Courts Amendment | Provide circuit courts with original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters | Approved |
| 1893 | LRCA | Creation of Boards of Highway Commissioners Amendment | Allow the legislature to enact laws relating to the creation of county and township boards of highway commissioners | Approved |
| 1893 | LRCA | Salaries of Certain Government Officials Amendment | Establish the salaries of certain government officials | Defeated |
| 1892 | LRCCQ | Constitutional Convention Question | Call a constitutional convention | Defeated |
| 1891 | LRCA | Salary of the Attorney General Amendment | Amend the state constitution relative to the salary of the Attorney General | Defeated |
| 1890 | LRCCQ | Constitutional Convention Question | Call a constitutional convention | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1889 | LRCA | Circuit Courts and Compensation Amendment | Provide for the election of more than one circuit judge in the judicial circuit covering Kent County | Approved |
| 1889 | LRCA | Duration of Corporations Amendment | Revise provisions relating to the duration of corporations | Defeated |
| 1889 | LRCA | Salary of the Governor Amendment | Revise provisions relating to the salary of the Governor | Approved |
| 1888 | LRCA | Allow for Multiple Detroit and Saginaw Circuit Judges Amendment | Provide for the election of more than one circuit judge in the judicial circuits covering Detroit and Saginaw County | Approved |
| 1888 | LRSS | Department of Banking Measure | Establish a department of banking | Approved |
| 1887 | LRCA | Salaries of State Officials Amendment | Amend the state constitution relative to the salary of various state officials | Defeated |
| 1887 | LRCA | Trafficking of Alcohol Amendment | Amend the state constitution relating to the trafficking of alcohol | Defeated |
| 1886 | LRCA | Salaries of Certain State Officers Amendment | Amend the state constitution relating to the salaries and the setting of salaries of certain state officers | Defeated |
| 1886 | LRCA | Wayne County Board of Auditors Amendment | Amend the powers of the Wayne County Board of Auditors | Defeated |
| 1884 | LRCA | Compensation of Members of the Legislature Amendment | Amend the state constitution relative to compensation of members of the legislature | Defeated |
| 1884 | LRCA | Wayne County and Upper Peninsula Circuit Judge Salary Amendment | Amend the state constitution relative to judicial circuits and the salaries of circuit court judges | Approved |
| 1882 | LRCA | Circuit Court Judges' Salaries Amendment | Increase circuit court judges' salaries from $1,500 to $2,500 per year | Approved |
| 1882 | Automatic constitutional convention question | Constitutional Convention Question | Revise the state constitution | Defeated |
| 1882 | LRCA | County Boards of Auditors Amendment | Allow for the creation of county board of auditors in all counties | Defeated |
| 1881 | LRCA | Proposal 2 | Allow the Michigan Supreme Court to appoint its own clerk | Approved |
| 1881 | LRCA | Proposal 1 | Allow money from penal fines to be used for either libraries or school purposes | Approved |
| 1881 | LRCA | Proposal 3 | Allow the state legislature to provide for the election of more than one circuit judge in Wayne County | Approved |
| 1880 | LRCA | Aid for a Railroad Bridge or Tunnel Amendment | Allow the city of Detroit to financially aid in the construction of a railroad bridge or tunnel across the Detroit River | Defeated |
| 1880 | LRCA | Salary of the Governor Amendment | Amend the constitution relating to the salary of the governor | Defeated |
Analysis
Ballotpedia completed an inventory of Michigan ballot measures from 1880 to 2024. Michigan voters have decided on 319 ballot measures placed on the ballot by successful citizen initiatives and the Michigan State Legislature. The types of measures decided included bond issues, initiated constitutional amendments, initiated state statutes, indirect initiated state statutes, veto referendums, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, legislatively referred state statutes, and constitutional convention referrals. Of these measures, 162 were approved, and 148 were defeated.
The inventory of Michigan statewide ballot measures is part of Ballotpedia's Historical Ballot Measure Factbook, which will document nearly 200 years of direct democracy in the United States. This ongoing research effort will provide an unparalleled resource for researchers, reporters, and the voting public on how ballot measures have evolved, the issues they've covered, and the role they have played in our civic life.
Contents
Notable topics and measures
Michigan’s ballot measure history — from margarine wars to marijuana legalization
- In 1894, voters approved a constitutional amendment ending the practice of allowing foreign-born male residents who had lived in Michigan for at least 2.5 years and declared their intent to become citizens to vote.
- The issue of women's suffrage was on the ballot four times. The all-male electorate rejected ballot measures to grant women suffrage in 1874, 1912, and 1913. In 1918, two years before the U.S. Constitution's Nineteenth Amendment, voters approved a state constitutional amendment, with 54.1% voting in favor.
- Voters approved a new state constitution in 1908. This revision created an initiative and referendum process in Michigan.
- Voters rejected ballot measures to establish an income tax in Michigan at least six times from 1922 to 1976. None received more than 36.0% of the vote. The Michigan Constitution of 1963 allowed the state to enact an income tax but prohibited a graduated structure.
- Oleomargarine, also known as margarine, was on the ballot twice in Michigan. In 1932, voters repealed a state law to "prevent deception in the manufacture, serving and sale" of oleomargarine. In 1950, voters approved a veto referendum to allow for the sale of oleomargarine.
- In 1939, voters approved a constitutional amendment to provide for nonpartisan judicial elections. Before 1939, judicial elections were partisan in Michigan.
- In 1950, voters approved Proposal 3, which defined subversion, declared subversion criminal, and restricted the use of free speech or free press defenses in court cases regarding subversion. According to the Grand Haven Tribune (August 18, 1950), the constitutional amendment was designed to allow "statutes aimed at subversives and possibly to outlaw the Communist party."[1]
- Voters approved the current state constitution in 1963, with 50.2% of the vote.
- In 1972, voters approved Proposal C, a constitutional amendment prohibiting the use of public funds for non-public schools, including voucher programs. Voters rejected amendments to allow for voucher programs in 1978 and 2000.
- Voters approved Proposal E, often called the Headlee Amendment, in 1978. Proposal E limited state taxes and revenues and prohibited local governments from creating or increasing taxes without voter approval. Voters rejected three ballot measures—Proposal D (1980), Proposal C (1984), and Proposal 5 (2012)—to require voter approval for certain new or increased state taxes, at least in some cases.
- In 2006, voters approved a constitutional amendment, Proposal 2, to prohibit affirmative action programs in public employment, public education, and public contracting.
- Voters rejected a ballot initiative, Proposal B, to allow physicians to perform abortions when a woman's period of gestation has not exceeded 20 weeks. Voters decided on Proposal B in 1972, one year before Roe v. Wade. In 1988, voters approved Proposal A, which prohibited public funds from being spent on abortions for public assistance recipients. In 2022, Michigan became the first state to approve a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment, Proposal 3, to provide for a state constitutional right to reproductive freedom.
- In 1992, voters approved Proposal B, which established term limits for congressional members, state legislators, and state executive officers, including the governor. In 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated state laws providing for congressional term limits in U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton. In 2022, voters approved Proposal 1, which changed the term limits for state legislators from three 2-year terms (6 years) in the state House and two 4-year terms (8 years) in the state Senate to 12 combined years in the Legislature.
- Michigan was the first state in the Midwest to legalize marijuana for recreational or personal use for adults. In 2018, voters approved Proposal 1, with 55.9% of the vote.
- Voters rejected Proposal 2 in 2012, which would have established a state constitutional right to collective bargaining for public and private sector employees.
- In 2018, voters approved Proposal 2, a constitutional amendment transferring the power to draw the state's congressional and legislative districts from the state legislature to an independent redistricting commission.
Statistics
Closest and widest margins
Of the 319 ballot measures, eight were decided by less than a percentage point of the vote. The top five closest measures are below:
| Closest vote margins for Michigan statewide ballot measures, 1880-2024 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure | Year | Yes votes | No votes | Vote margin | Outcome | ||
| # | % | # | % | ||||
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The following five measures had the widest vote margins by percentage:
| Widest vote margins for Michigan statewide ballot measures, 1880-2024 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure | Year | Yes votes | No votes | Vote margin | Outcome | ||
| # | % | # | % | ||||
| a | |||||||
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Michigan ballot measure topics
Michigan ballot measures have addressed 132 unique topics with some addressing multiple topics in one measure. The top 15 most common topics addressed are:
- Salaries of government officials (30 measures)
- Public education funding (21 measures)
- Highways and bridges (19 measures)
- Local government organization (19 measures)
- Property taxes (19 measures)
- Bond issue requirements (18 measures)
- Revenue allocation (17 measures)
- State constitutional conventions (15 measures)
- Administrative organization (15 measures)
- Bond issues (15 measures)
- Local government finance and taxes (14 measures)
- Sales taxes (12 measures)
- Ballot measure process (12 measures)
- Income taxes (12 measures)
- Parks, land, and natural area conservation (11 measures)
By the decade
The average number of measures per decade was 21, and the average number of measures approved per decade was 55%. The decade with the most ballot measures was the 1930s, which featured 34 ballot measures. Eight measures (23.53%) were approved, and 26 (76%) were defeated. The decade with the highest approval rate was the 2020s, with a 100.0% approval rate. The decade with the lowest approval rating was the 1930s.
By type
- See also: Types of ballot measures in Michigan
Michigan has nine types of ballot measures. Legislatively referred constitutional amendments have appeared on the ballot most frequently, with 189 measures. Legislatively referred state statutes had the highest approval rate—both measures of this type were passed by voters. Automatic constitutional convention questions had the lowest approval rate, with 89% (8 out of 9) rejected by voters.
Legislatively referred measures have been more successful at the ballot box than citizen-initiated measures. Voters approved 60% of legislatively referred measures, compared to 35% of citizen-initiated ballot initiatives.
Background
Citizen-initiated ballot measures
In Michigan, citizens have the power to initiate constitutional amendments, state statutes, and veto referendums. These powers were established with voter approval of a revised constitution in 1908.
In Michigan, the number of signatures needed to place a measure on the ballot is based on the total number of votes cast for the governor in the preceding election.
The following are the requirements for the types of citizen-initiated measures in Michigan:
- initiated constitutional amendment (ICA): 10 percent of the votes cast for governor
- initiated state statute (ISS): 8 percent of the votes cast for governor
- veto referendum (VR): 5 percent of the votes cast for governor
Legislatively referred ballot measures
In Michigan, the state legislature has the power to refer constitutional amendments, state statutes, and bond measures to the ballot. Constitutional amendments and bond measures require two-thirds (66.67%) vote in each chamber during one legislative session. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot, while bond measures require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot. For legislatively referred state statutes, a simple majority vote is required during one legislative session, and require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
