MI Constitution/Article II “Elections”: from mostly ignored to the spotlight

About this episode

The episode discusses the significance of Article II of the Michigan Constitution in the context of upcoming elections and recent changes in voting rights.

Guy Gordon and Eric Lupher discuss Article II of the Michigan Constitution in the context of the upcoming November election on whether Michigan should hold a constitutional convention (aka: Con-Con). Lupher explains that although Article II historically drew little attention, it has become far more significant and contentious amid recent debates over voting rights, election security, and direct democracy. He notes that several provisions in the Constitution are outdated or inconsistent with federal law — such as the voting age still listed as 21 and unenforceable term limits for federal representatives — underscoring how infrequently the document has been updated. The conversation also explores how Michigan’s voting rights landscape has expanded dramatically through the 2018 and 2022 “Promote the Vote” amendments, which added no-cause absentee voting, same-day registration, drop boxes, and other protections. These changes have expanded Section 4 of Article II from 111 words to more than 1,300, making it a likely focal point in any Constitutional Convention. Eric also points to growing partisanship on the Board of State Canvassers, tighter recall rules, and loopholes in Michigan’s…

People in this episode

Host: Guy Gordon

Guest: Eric Lupher

Topics covered

• Michigan Constitution
• Elections
• Voting Rights
• Constitutional Convention
• Election Security
• Direct Democracy

Keywords

• Michigan Constitution
• Article II
• Elections
• Voting Rights
• Constitutional Convention
• Promote the Vote
• Election Security
• Direct Democracy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Citizens Research Council of Michigan

Books & works: Promote the Vote amendments

Places: Michigan, Michigan’s voting rights landscape

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