Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution v. Secretary of State
Michigan Supreme Court
921 N.W.2d 247, 503 Mich. 42 (2018)

- Written by Deanna Curl, JD
Facts
Voters Not Politicians (VNP) (defendant) launched a petition for a ballot initiative for the 2018 general election to amend the Michigan Constitution. The VNP’s proposed constitutional amendment revived a state-redistricting commission, made redistricting guidelines compliant with federal and state requirements, and added obligations to the secretary of state’s role in the commission’s formation. Before the Board of State Canvassers (the board) could certify the VNP’s petition to be placed on the ballot, Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution (CPMP) and others (plaintiffs) filed a complaint seeking a writ of mandamus. The CPMP sought to have the board reject the VNP’s ballot proposal, arguing that the proposal was a general revision to the constitution that required a constitutional convention rather than a constitutional amendment.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Viviano, J.)
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