Alabama Voters Face Four Constitutional Amendments And Michigan Asks Whether To Rewrite Its Constitution

Voters in Alabama and Michigan will weigh in on several state ballot measures on November 3, from school prayer to how campaigns are funded. A ballot measure is a question placed on the ballot so voters can approve or reject a change to state law or the state constitution.

Alabama has four statewide measures, and all four are constitutional amendments that the legislature placed on the ballot, according to Ballotpedia. Amendment 1 would fill a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor by election if the vacancy opens more than 60 days before the next general election. Amendment 2 would create a process for merging two or more county school districts. Amendment 3 would require public schools to hold the Pledge of Allegiance each day and would allow student led prayer. Amendment 4 would require public schools to broadcast or arrange a performance of the first verse of the national anthem at least once a week. Those are Ballotpedia’s summaries, and it says the official ballot language may differ, so the Alabama secretary of state’s office is the place to read the exact wording.

Michigan has two statewide measures, according to Ballotpedia. Proposal 1 asks whether Michigan should hold a constitutional convention, a special gathering of elected delegates who can propose changes to or a rewrite of the state constitution. The question is referred to the ballot automatically. Proposal 2 is a citizen initiative that would bar certain regulated electric and gas utilities, government contractors with more than $250,000 in annual government contracts, and related individuals and organizations from making specified campaign contributions. It would also expand campaign finance requirements to cover more public communications about candidates or ballot questions, including some that do not expressly urge a vote for or against them.

If Alabama voters approve an amendment, it becomes part of the state constitution. If Michigan voters approve Proposal 1, the state would move toward electing delegates to a convention, and any changes that come out of it would still need to go back to voters. Voters in both states can confirm what is on their ballot, their polling place and their hours with the Alabama secretary of state’s office, the Michigan Bureau of Elections or their local election office.

Dee Dee Henderson

Dee Dee Henderson is a Poli Alert journalist covering national politics, elections and the policies that hit closest to home for Black communities, from voting rights and the economy to the courts. She reports the facts first and isn't afraid to say what they mean, and her commentary pieces are clearly labeled as opinion. Her midterm coverage breaks down deadlines, ballot measures and the races that will decide who holds power in Washington.

See Full Bio