Constitutional amendments were announced in the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives, aiming to reduce the impact of partisanship in the nominating process.
Statewide Offices:
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- It would amend the process for nominating candidates for attorney general and secretary of state by moving it from party conventions to a traditional vote at the ballot.
- If adopted, the change would take effect beginning on January 1, 2027.
- The resolution was referred to the House Government Operations Committee for consideration.
University Boards:
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- The plan would institute new ethics requirements and establish term limits for board members of Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, and Michigan State University.
- Board members would be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, rather than nominated by partisan conventions.
- A ninth member would be added to all three boards, chosen by the governor from names submitted by the alumni associations of each university.
- It would impose the same ethical standards that are in place at the 12 appointed university boards.
It takes a two-thirds vote of approval by the legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. To be placed on the August 4, 2026, primary ballot, the legislature would need to act by June 4.
