Statewide, Michigan voters are being asked to weigh in on two proposals.
Proposal One asks whether the state should convene a constitutional convention for the purpose of drafting a general revision of the state constitution.
It is on the ballot because the Michigan Constitution created during the last such convention in 1963 says it has to be every 16 years.
Voters in 1978 and 1994 said no. Now some say it is needed, that the previous constitution made during times of prosperity is holding our impoverished state back.
“We want people to vote yes on proposal one,” says Tim Kelly, co-chair of Yes on Proposal One. “We think it's a necessary tool to fix Michigan. Michigan is as broken as broken is going to get."
Joe Lehman from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy disagrees. He says while changes made to the constitution could help improve the way our state functions economically, it will cost tens of millions of dollars and is not necessary.
“You don't need a new constitution. The legislators and the governor have all the authority they need to bring spending in line with what they can afford."
Proposal Two would amend the state constitution to prohibit certain felons from holding elective office and specified types of public employment positions.
Some say it sounds like a good idea, but may not be necessary.
"Usually whether someone is a felon or not comes out in an election,” says Lehman. ”So do you need a law banning them from running? Only if you think voters will ignore that fact when you ask for their vote."
