Our Constitutional Amendments
Since 2018, Promote the Vote has diligently worked to enshrine both access to the ballot and election integrity into our state constitution. We worked with a team of experts to draft two ballot initiatives–Proposal 3 of 2018 and Proposal 2 of 2022–and then worked with partners to get these initiatives on the ballot and passed by the voters of Michigan. Both of these initiatives passed with large majorities, clearly signaling that Michiganders support common-sense approaches to removing barriers to voting and safeguarding Michigan’s elections.
Proposal 3 of 2018
Proposal 3 of 2018, or “Promote the Vote,” modernized and advanced voting rights for the people of Michigan. Its provisions included the right to vote by absentee ballot without providing a reason, the right to automatic voter registration when applying for or renewing a Michigan driver’s license or state ID card, and the right to register to vote up until polls close on Election Day. It also codified the right to a secret ballot, the right to vote straight-party, and the right to a statewide elections audit.
Proposal 2 of 2022
Proposal 2 of 2022, or “Promote the Vote 2022,” further modernized and advanced voting rights for the people of Michigan. It also worked to block voter intimidation and to nullify voter subversion, solidifying Michigan’s position as a leader in election security and accessibility. Prop 2 included the right to vote early in every statewide and federal election, the right to sign up to automatically receive a ballot by mail before each election, the right to state-funded prepaid postage on absentee ballot applications and ballots, and the right to at least one secure ballot drop box in each community. Prop 2 also provided that the results of each election are determined solely by the votes cast in that election and that audits must be securely–and publicly–conducted by individuals not affiliated with a political party.
Impact on Voter Turnout
PTV’s constitutional amendments—Prop 3 of 2018 and Prop 2 of 2022—increased access to the ballot and enhanced the security and transparency of Michigan’s elections. Since the implementation of Prop 3 of 2018, turnout in Michigan has continued to increase, even while turnout nationally has trended downward. The below charts show the increase in Michigan’s voter turnout in general elections from 2016 to 2024 and in midterm elections from 2018 to 2022.