Grassroots Movements Gear Up for Michigan’s 2026 Ballot Initiatives
With the 2026 general election still years away, Michigan is already seeing a flurry of activity as various campaigns mobilize to place their proposals on the ballot. Among the initiatives are several state constitutional amendments, some of which are relying solely on volunteer efforts to gather signatures.
One significant proposal, known as Invest in MI Kids, aims to increase taxes on high earners in Michigan. Specifically, individuals making $500 million annually, or couples earning $1 million in joint filings, would face higher taxes. The additional revenue is earmarked for the state’s School Aid Fund, with the intent to enhance career training, reduce class sizes, and improve teacher retention.
The proposal has faced criticism over its ballot language, which some say lacks clarity. This led to a stalemate at the state elections board regarding the approval of the petition’s summary language. Despite this hurdle, the campaign is pushing forward, commencing its signature-gathering efforts this weekend.
Imani Foster from the Invest in MI Kids coalition revealed that the campaign already boasts 500 trained volunteers, with nearly 1,000 more registered. Foster stated, “It’s not just getting it on the ballot. It’s also getting people to vote yes. So, we’re also spreading awareness the more we get people to sign this petition. And so, you should plan to see us pretty much everywhere across the state, at rallies, at all those kinds of things.”
The campaign aims to collect around 700,000 signatures, significantly more than the required number to secure a spot on the ballot.
Meanwhile, the Rank MI Choice coalition, which seeks to introduce ranked-choice voting for federal and certain state elections, has encountered fewer obstacles. The campaign, which began its efforts earlier, reports a positive reception and a growing number of young volunteers.
Joe Spaulding, the campaign director, noted, “We’re having a lot of young people who have felt particularly trapped by the current system and their lack of choices signing up, not just to circulate the petition but thanking us for being available to them as an option, and then signing up to volunteer.”
Despite concerns that ranked-choice voting could encourage backroom deals, proponents argue it allows voters to support their preferred candidates rather than settling for less favorable options. This voting system has already been implemented in New York City’s mayoral primaries.
In addition to these initiatives, the Ax MI Tax campaign is working to eliminate property taxes in Michigan. Since April, this volunteer-driven effort has been active, although concerns have been raised about potential impacts on funding for libraries, parks, and emergency services. The campaign proposes replacing some of this funding with state money.
Michigan voters can also expect to see campaigns addressing voter ID laws and efforts to repeal recent state laws affecting minimum wage and sick leave entitlements as the election approaches.
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