Michigan voters OK abortion, voting rights and term limits proposals 

Updated, 8:47 a.m. with comments from Right to Life of Michigan

The three statewide measures on Tuesday’s midterm ballot have gotten the stamp of approval by Michigan voters. The constitutional amendments will change term limits, protect abortion rights and expand voting rights.

Exit polls showed that abortion was the top issue for voters in Michigan. In other states, inflation topped the survey.

Proposal 1 is the statewide ballot measure that would modify term limits for Michigan’s Legislature to allow legislators to serve a combined 12 years in both the House and Senate and require some financial disclosure for state lawmakers and officeholders. It has attracted 63.89% of the vote, with 79 of 83 counties reporting.

Mich. voters will decide 3 constitutional amendments. Here’s what’s on your Nov. 8 ballot.

Proposal 2, which enshrines voting right protections in the state Constitution, has attracted 56.47% of the vote, with 79 of 83 counties reporting.

“Today is a monumental day for protecting democracy in Michigan,” said Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians. “… Now all Michiganders can be sure that our right to vote is secure, our voices will be heard, and our votes will be counted. Proposal 2’s success would not have been possible without the tireless work of our thousands of Voters Not Politicians volunteers, who spent nine months collecting signatures and going door-to-door to turn out voters, and the work of our partners in this powerful coalition, who came together to protect Michigan’s democracy.”

Proposal 3, the statewide ballot proposal that enshrines reproductive rights in the state Constitution, has attracted 52.62% of the vote, with 79 of 83 counties reporting. The Associated Press has called the race.

“With the loss of Roe v. Wade in June and the ongoing attacks on abortion access throughout Michigan, the Midwest, and the nation, this election was essential to protecting the fundamental rights of Michiganders,” said Nicole Wells Stallworth Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan executive director. 

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said she was “saddened” by Proposal 3’s passage.

“Right to Life of Michigan (RLM) staff, our statewide affiliates, thousands of volunteers and donors, and our many state and local partners selflessly sacrificed their time, talent, and treasure to educate voters on this extreme proposal, standing courageously for the dignity of human life and parental rights,” she said.