Michigan Launches Signature Drives for Major 2026 Ballot Initiatives

Michigan Prepares for 2026 Ballot Initiatives

As the 2026 general election approaches, Michigan is experiencing a surge of grassroots activity as various organizations mobilize to introduce proposals to voters. Several initiatives aim to amend the state constitution, relying heavily on volunteer-driven signature collection efforts.

One of the pivotal proposals is the Invest in MI Kids initiative, which seeks to impose higher taxes on high-income earners in the state. The measure targets individuals with annual incomes of $500,000 or more and couples earning over $1 million, redistributing this additional tax revenue to the School Aid Fund. The funding is intended to bolster career training programs, reduce classroom sizes, and improve teacher retention rates.

However, the initiative has encountered obstacles with the clarity of its ballot language, leading to a stalemate among members of the state elections board discussing the proposed summary. Despite these issues, the campaign progresses, set to kick off its signature-gathering campaign this weekend.

Imani Foster, a representative from the Invest in MI Kids coalition, highlighted ongoing efforts, stating, “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." So far, the coalition has trained over 500 volunteers and registered almost 1,000 more, planning to mobilize extensively across the state to gather around 700,000 signatures—substantially exceeding the minimum requirement necessary to qualify for the ballot.

In contrast, the Rank MI Choice coalition, which is advocating for ranked-choice voting in federal and selected state elections, reports a smoother path forward. Having started its efforts earlier, the campaign notes a positive reception and a growing base of young volunteers eager to participate.

Joe Spaulding, campaign director for Rank MI Choice, remarked, “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.” Proponents of ranked-choice voting argue that it provides a way for voters to express their true preferences, countering allegations that it may lead to political maneuvering. This system has already been operational in New York City's mayoral elections.

Additionally, the Ax MI Tax initiative is advocating for the elimination of property taxes in Michigan. This volunteer-led endeavor commenced in April, and though it aims to replace some funding with state resources, there are concerns regarding its potential implications on libraries, parks, and emergency services funding.

As the 2026 election nears, Michigan voters can also expect discussions around voter ID laws, alongside challenges to recent regulations regarding minimum wage and sick leave benefits.