Opinion: This November, say no to Proposal 1

It’s hard to believe that Election Year is here again. 

Even before the calendar turned to 2026, Michiganians were already seeing a steady stream of headlines about the important elections on the November ballot, including open seats for each of our statewide offices as well as one of Michigan’s seats in the U.S. Senate and others.

However, an important measure guaranteed to be on the November ballot is generating far fewer headlines — and that’s Proposal 1. Every 16 years, the Michigan Constitution automatically places the first question on the general election ballot, asking voters whether they want to hold a new Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) to amend the state constitution.   

The League of Women Voters of Michigan urges all Michiganians to vote no on Proposal 1. A Con-Con would be a long, costly process and it would allow special interests to insert their narrow agendas into our constitution in secret. 

The League of Women Voters of Michigan has worked to foster a healthy democracy for more than 100 years. Rooted in the women’s suffrage movement, the League continues to prioritize voting rights, improved elections, citizen-led redistricting and government transparency. Given our commitment to empowering voters and defending democracy, the League of Women Voters of Michigan strongly opposes a Con-Con.

Calling one would open up our constitution for a complete rewrite by partisan delegates beholden to special interests. Everyday Michiganians would be shut out as political insiders meet behind closed doors without transparency or accountability. A secretive rewrite of our state constitution could, among other significant changes, roll back successful election reforms, strip away voting access and return Michigan to a rigged, partisan redistricting system.  

Michigan simply cannot afford a Constitutional Convention. It would take years and cost nearly $80 million, creating even more economic uncertainty at a time when Michigan businesses and families are already struggling.

Join us as we and other organizations work together to encourage our families, friends and neighbors across Michigan to vote no on Proposal 1 in November. Let’s prevent billionaires, partisan politicians and lobbyists in Lansing from taking power away from the people of Michigan.

Denise Hartsough and Lynne Kochmanski are co-presidents of the League of Women Voters of Michigan. This op-ed was published by the Detroit News on Jan. 28, 2026.