Michigan's Constitutional Convention Question and the Future of MPSERS Retirement
Much of the information in this article is drawn from research published by the Citizens Research Council of Michigan. The Research Council does not take a position on whether Michigan should hold a constitutional convention. Its research provides factual information about the convention process, Michigan’s constitutional history and the issues that could be considered if a convention is held. For additional information and the full research series, visit the Citizens Research Council of Michigan.
At a glance
- Michigan voters decide Nov. 3 whether to call a constitutional convention to revise the state constitution (Proposal 1). The question comes up every 16 years; voters rejected it in 1978, 1994 and 2010.
- If Proposal 1 passes, it starts a process. Delegates would be elected in 2027 to decide what changes to propose to the state constitution. Voters would then decide whether to approve those changes. A “no” vote keeps the constitution as is; the question would return in 2042.
- A convention could consider provisions throughout the Constitution, including retirement protections. Article IX, Section 24 protects accrued pension benefits, including MPSERS, as a contractual obligation the state cannot diminish or impair.
- MARSP opposes calling a constitutional convention. The MARSP Board of Directors urges members to vote NO on Proposal 1, citing concerns about the broad scope of a convention and the potential impact on retirement benefits. More election tips from MARSP.
On Nov. 3, Michigan voters will elect a new governor, choose their state legislators, and decide a highly contested U.S. Senate race. They’ll also vote on whether Michigan should hold what’s known as a “constitutional convention” to revise the state constitution. It’s a question Michigan puts to voters every 16 years, and one they’ve turned down each time in recent memory.
What Is a Constitutional Convention?
A constitutional convention is a gathering of elected delegates to review a state’s constitution and consider broader revisions to it.
Why Does the Constitutional Convention Question Keep Coming Back?
Michigan’s 1850 Constitution introduced the requirement that voters periodically be asked whether to call a convention for general constitutional revision. The 1963 constitution retained the requirement, specifying that the question appear every 16 years. Voters have rejected it all three times it has appeared since the 1963 constitution: 1978, 1994 and 2010.
Meanwhile, voters and lawmakers have continued to amend the 1963 Constitution.
Constitution Basics
A constitution sets the ground rules for government. It establishes where government gets its authority, how that power is divided and limited, and what rights and protections are guaranteed to the people.
A constitution generally sits above ordinary law and is harder to change than a statute. Michigan’s Constitution sets out two ways to change it, and voters decide both:
- Amendments change specific provisions.
- A constitutional convention allows elected delegates to consider broader changes to the document.
What Happens If Voters Say Yes?
- A “no” vote leaves the current constitution in place. The question would return in 2042.
- A “yes” vote starts a process: voters decide first whether to hold a convention, and later whether to approve what the convention proposes.
Constitutional Convention Process
- November 2026: Voters decide whether to call a convention.
- 2027: If approved, Michigan holds elections for 148 convention delegates, with a primary followed by a general election.
- October 2027: The delegates convene in Lansing.
- Convention: Delegates establish their rules and consider what changes, if any, to propose.
- Voters have the final say: Any proposed revised Constitution must be submitted to Michigan voters for ratification.
What Could a Constitutional Convention Consider?
A convention could consider provisions throughout the Constitution, including but not limited to:
- the structure and powers of state government
- courts
- taxation and state finances
- education
- local government
- individual rights
- public employee retirement systems
The U.S. Constitution remains the supreme law of the land, so a Michigan Constitution cannot override it.
“A state constitutional convention elected by the people is free to fashion any kind of document it pleases, subject only to restraints imposed by the United States Constitution and subject, of course, to having its final product ratified by the state’s voters. While Michigan‘s history with constitutional revision has tended to incrementally build on existing constitutions, nothing would bind a 2027 constitutional convention to such an approach.”
MARSP Position: Vote NO On Proposal 1
MARSP is a nonpartisan organization focused on protecting and preserving the retirement income and health benefits of Michigan’s public school employees and retirees. While MARSP does not endorse political candidates or parties, it does evaluate and take positions on public policy issues that relate to its mission and the interests of public school employees and retirees.
After considering the potential implications for public school retirement benefits, the MARSP Board of Directors requests that MARSP members vote NO on Proposal 1.
Reasons for opposing Proposal 1
- Other avenues to amend the Constitution: Michigan’s Constitution provides several ways to propose and approve changes without calling a constitutional convention.
- Cost and use of public funds: A constitutional convention would require significant public resources, and voters should consider the potential cost and use of state funds before deciding whether to call one.
- Broad scope of a constitutional convention: A constitutional convention would have broad authority to propose a general revision of Michigan’s Constitution, meaning delegates could address many areas beyond the issue that prompted the convention.
- Pension and health care protections: Article IX, Section 24 of the Michigan Constitution protects accrued financial benefits under state and local government pension plans as contractual obligations, while health care benefits do not have the same constitutional protection.
MARSP will continue watching the constitutional convention question closely and provide updates as needed.
Voting Reminders
- Confirm your voter registration.
- Verify your polling location, as it may change between elections.
- Learn about your ballot before heading to the polls on Nov. 3. You can view your sample ballot at Michigan.gov/Vote.
- Expect ads, mailers and social media posts about the constitutional convention. Some may be misleading. For nonpartisan facts, see the Citizens Research Council of Michigan.
- Vote NO on Proposal 1. It is decided by a majority of those who vote on it, so don’t skip it.
MARSP will continue watching the constitutional convention question closely and provide updates as needed.
Thank You for Being a MARSP Member
For 75 years, Michigan’s school retirees have counted on MARSP to represent their interests in Lansing. Your membership sustains that work and keeps MARSP at the MPSERS board table, at the Capitol, in your community and in your corner. Thank you for being a member.
Not a member yet? Join MARSP today!
Learn About the Constitutional Convention of 1961-62 (Documentary)
Created by MSU, this collection holds films and transcripts from the State of Michigan Constitutional Convention of 1961-1962: Constitutional Convention, Michigan Can Lead the Way, Documentary Film (MSU version)
“The new constitution represents the decisions of the majority. It is based on two philosophies: First, the necessity of building safeguards for the individual against the power of government. And second, the necessity of providing sufficient strength to government for efficient operation.”
Preparing for Election Season: Tips for Michigan Public School Retirees
These tips are designed to help you cast a vote that reflects your values and protects your quality of life.
