Voters in Michigan will have three constitutional amendments on their ballot in the General Election. The first one involves limits on terms for state legislators, the second would add provisions regarding elections and the third would protect reproductive freedom.

You can view this information on the Michigan state website by clicking here. 

Proposal 22-1

FULL TEXT OF PROPOSED INITIATED LAW:

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by amending sections 10 and 54 of article IV, to require certain disclosures and to modify limitations on terms of office of state legislators.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the state of Michigan, That the following amendment to the state constitution of 1963, to require certain disclosures and to modify limitations on terms of office of state legislators, is proposed, agreed to, and submitted to the people of the state:

ARTICLE IV

Sec. 10. (1) No member of the legislature nor any state officer shall be interested directly or indirectly in any contract with the state or any political subdivision thereof which shall cause a substantial conflict of interest.

(2) By April 15, 2024, and by a date each year thereafter as prescribed by state law, each member of the legislature, the governor, the lieutenant governor, the secretary of state, and the attorney general shall electronically file an annual financial disclosure report with the department of state that complies with this section. A report required to be filed under this section must include information regarding all of the following:

1. Description of assets and sources of unearned income.
2. Sources of earned income.
3. Description of liabilities.
4. Positions currently held as an officer, director, trustee, partner, proprietor, representative, employee, or consultant of any organization, corporation, firm, partnership, or other business enterprise, nonprofit organization, labor organization, or educational or other institution other than the state of Michigan. The positions required to be disclosed under this subdivision do not include positions held in any religious, social, fraternal, or political entity, or positions that are solely of an honorary nature.
5. Agreements or arrangements with respect to future employment, a leave of absence while serving as a legislator or state officer, continuation or deferral of payments by a former or current employer other than the state of Michigan, or continuing participation in an employee welfare or benefit plan maintained by a former employer.
6. Gifts received and required to be reported by a lobbyist or lobbyist agent, as prescribed by state law.
7. Travel payments and reimbursements received and required to be reported by a lobbyist or lobbyist agent, as prescribed by state law.
8. Payments made by a lobbyist or lobbyist agent to a charity in lieu of honoraria.

(3) The financial disclosure report required under subsection (2) must be filed with the department of state in a form and manner prescribed by state law. The department of state shall make the report available to the public online.

(4) The legislature shall further implement this section by appropriate legislation. Legislation implementing this section must not limit or restrict the application of subsections (2) and (3).

(5) If legislation implementing this section is not enacted by December 31, 2023, a resident of this state may initiate a legal action against the legislature and the governor in the Michigan supreme court to enforce the requirements of this section.

Sec. 54. (1) A person may not be elected to the office of state representative or state senator for terms or partial terms that combined total more than 12 years. However, this limitation does not prohibit a person elected to the office of state senator in 2022 from being elected to that office for the number of times permitted at the time the person became a candidate for that office.

(2) This section is self-executing. Legislation may be enacted to facilitate operation of this section, but a law must not limit or restrict the application of this section.

Resolved further, That the foregoing amendment shall be submitted to the people of the state at the next general election in the manner provided by law.

Resolved further, That it is the intent of the legislature that when submitted to the people of the state the amendment be presented with the following question:

Official ballot wording:

Proposal 22-2

FULL TEXT OF PROPOSED INITIATED LAW:

The full text of the proposal amending Article 2, Sections 4 and 7 is as follows (additions capitalized, deletions stricken):

ARTICLE 2
ELECTIONS

Sec. 4. Place and manner of elections. (1) Every citizen of the United States who is an elector qualified to vote in Michigan shall have the following rights:

(a) THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO VOTE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Tthe right, once registered, to vote a secret ballot in all elections. NO PERSON SHALL: (1) ENACT OR USE ANY LAW, RULE, REGULATION, QUALIFICATION, PREREQUISITE, STANDARD, PRACTICE, OR PROCEDURE; (2) ENGAGE IN ANY HARASSING, THREATENING, OR INTIMIDATING CONDUCT; OR (3) USE ANY MEANS WHATSOEVER, ANY OF WHICH HAS THE INTENT OR EFFECT OF DENYING, ABRIDGING, INTERFERING WITH, OR UNREASONABLY BURDENING THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO VOTE.

ANY MICHIGAN CITIZEN OR CITIZENS SHALL HAVE STANDING TO BRING AN ACTION FOR DECLARATORY, INJUNCTIVE, AND/OR MONETARY RELIEF TO ENFORCE THE RIGHTS CREATED BY THIS PART (A) OF SUBSECTION (4)(1) ON BEHALF OF THEMSELVES. THOSE ACTIONS SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY IN WHICH A PLAINTIFF RESIDES. IF A PLAINTIFF PREVAILS IN WHOLE OR IN PART, THE COURT SHALL AWARD REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES, COSTS, AND DISBURSEMENTS.

FOR PURPOSES OF THIS PART (A) OF SUBSECTION (4)(1), “PERSON” MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL, ASSOCIATION, CORPORATION, JOINT STOCK COMPANY, LABOR ORGANIZATION, LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE, MUTUAL COMPANY, PARTNERSHIP, UNINCORPORATED ORGANIZATION, THE STATE OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OR AN AGENCY OF THE STATE, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL ENTITY, AND INCLUDES AN AGENT OF A PERSON.

(b) The right, if serving in the military or living overseas, to have an absent voter ballot sent to them at least forty-five (45) days before an election upon application AND TO HAVE THEIR ABSENT VOTER BALLOT DEEMED TIMELY RECEIVED IF POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE ELECTION DAY AND RECEIVED BY THE APPROPRIATE ELECTION OFFICIAL WITHIN SIX (6) DAYS AFTER SUCH ELECTION. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS PART {B) OF SUBSECTION (4)(1), A POSTMARK SHALL INCLUDE ANY TYPE OF MARK APPLIED BY THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE OR ANY DELIVERY SERVICE TO THE RETURN ENVELOPE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO A BAR CODE OR ANY TRACKING MARKS, WHICH INDICATES WHEN A BALLOT WAS MAILED.

(c) The right, once registered, to a “straight party” vote option on partisan general election ballots. In partisan elections, the ballot shall include a position at the top of the ballot by which the voter may, by a single selection, record a straight party ticket vote for all the candidates of one (1) party. The voter may vote a split or mixed ticket.

(d) The right to be automatically registered to vote as a result of conducting business with the secretary of state regarding a driver’s license or personal identification card, unless the person declines such registration.

(e) The right to register to vote for an election by mailing a completed voter registration application on or before the fifteenth (15th) day before that election to an election official authorized to receive voter registration applications.

(f) The right to register to vote for an election by (1) appearing in person and submitting a completed voter registration application on or before the fifteenth (15th) day before that election to an election official authorized to receive voter registration applications, or (2) beginning on the fourteenth (14th) day before that election and continuing through the day of that election, appearing in person, submitting a completed voter registration application and providing proof of residency to an election official responsible for maintaining custody of the registration file where the person resides, or their deputies. Persons registered in accordance with subsection (1)(f) shall be immediately eligible to receive a regular or absent voter ballot.

(G) THE RIGHT, ONCE REGISTERED, TO PROVE THEIR IDENTITY WHEN VOTING IN PERSON OR APPLYING FOR AN ABSENT VOTER BALLOT IN PERSON BY (1) PRESENTING THEIR PHOTO IDENTIFICATION, INCLUDING PHOTO IDENTIFICATION ISSUED BY A FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, OR TRIBAL GOVERNMENT OR AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, OR (2) IF THEY DO NOT HAVE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION OR DO NOT HAVE IT WITH THEM, EXECUTING AN AFFIDAVIT VERIFYING THEIR IDENTITY. A VOTER SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO VOTE A PROVISIONAL BALLOT SOLELY BECAUSE THEY EXECUTED AN AFFIDAVIT TO PROVE THEIR IDENTITY.

(H)(g) The right, once registered, to vote an absent voter ballot without giving a reason, during the forty (40) days before an election, and the right to choose whether the absent voter ballot is applied for, received and submitted in person or by mail. During that time, election officials authorized to issue absent voter ballots shall be available in at least one (1) location to issue and receive absent voter ballots during the election officials’ regularly scheduled business hours and for at least eight (8) hours during the Saturday and/or Sunday immediately prior to the election. Those election officials shall have the authority to make absent voter ballots available for voting in person at additional times and places beyond what is required herein. VOTERS SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROVE THEIR IDENTITY WHEN APPLYING FOR OR VOTING AN ABSENT VOTER BALLOT OTHER THAN IN PERSON BY PROVIDING THEIR SIGNATURE TO THE ELECTION OFFICIAL AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE ABSENT VOTER BALLOTS. THOSE ELECTION OFFICIALS SHALL: (1) VERIFY THE IDENTITY OF A VOTER WHO APPLIES FOR AN ABSENT VOTER BALLOT OTHER THAN IN PERSON BY COMPARING THE VOTER’S SIGNATURE ON THE ABSENT VOTER BALLOT APPLICATION TO THE VOTER’S SIGNATURE IN THEIR REGISTRATION RECORD; AND (2) VERIFY THE IDENTITY OF A VOTER WHO VOTES AN ABSENT VOTER BALLOT OTHER THAN IN PERSON BY COMPARING THE SIGNATURE ON THE ABSENT VOTER BALLOT ENVELOPE TO THE SIGNATURE ON THE VOTER’S ABSENT VOTER BALLOT APPLICATION OR THE SIGNATURE IN THE VOTER’S REGISTRATION RECORD. IF THOSE ELECTION OFFICIALS DETERMINE FROM EITHER OF THE COMPARISONS IN (1) OR (2) OF THIS PART (H) OF SUBSECTION (4)(1) THAT THE SIGNATURES DO NOT SUFFICIENTLY AGREE, OR IF THE VOTER’S SIGNATURE ON THE ABSENT VOTER BALLOT APPLICATION OR ABSENT VOTER BALLOT ENVELOPE IS MISSING, THE VOTER HAS A RIGHT TO BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY AND AFFORDED DUE PROCESS, INCLUDING AN EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITY TO CORRECT THE ISSUE WITH THE SIGNATURE.

(I) THE RIGHT TO: (1) STATE-FUNDED PREPAID POSTAGE TO RETURN AN ABSENT VOTER BALLOT APPLICATION PROVIDED TO THEM BY A MICHIGAN ELECTION OFFICIAL; (2) STATE-FUNDED PREPAID POSTAGE TO RETURN A VOTED ABSENT VOTER BALLOT; AND (3) A STATE-FUNDED SYSTEM TO TRACK SUBMITTED ABSENT VOTER BALLOT APPLICATIONS AND ABSENT VOTER BALLOTS. THE SYSTEM SHALL PERMIT VOTERS TO ELECT TO RECEIVE ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATIONS REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE VOTER’S SUBMITTED ABSENT VOTER BALLOT APPLICATION AND ABSENT VOTER BALLOT, INFORM VOTERS OF ANY DEFICIENCY WITH THE VOTER’S SUBMITTED ABSENT VOTER BALLOT APPLICATION OR ABSENT VOTER BALLOT, AND PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADDRESSING ANY SUCH DEFICIENCY.

(J) THE RIGHT TO AT LEAST ONE (1) STATE-FUNDED SECURE DROP-BOX FOR EVERY MUNICIPALITY, AND FOR MUNICIPALITIES WITH MORE THAN FIFTEEN THOUSAND (15,000) REGISTERED VOTERS AT LEAST ONE (1) DROP-BOX FOR EVERY FIFTEEN THOUSAND (15,000) REGISTERED VOTERS, FOR THE RETURN OF COMPLETED ABSENT VOTER BALLOT APPLICATIONS AND VOTED ABSENT VOTER BALLOTS. SECURE DROP-BOXES SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED EQUITABLY THROUGHOUT THE MUNICIPALITY AND SHALL BE ACCESSIBLE TWENTY-FOUR (24) HOURS PER DAY DURING THE FORTY (40) DAYS PRIOR TO ANY ELECTION AND UNTIL EIGHT (8) PM ON ELECTION DAY.

(K) THE RIGHT, ONCE REGISTERED, TO HAVE AN ABSENT VOTER BALLOT SENT TO THE VOTER BEFORE EACH ELECTION BY SUBMITTING A SINGLE SIGNED ABSENT VOTER BALLOT APPLICATION COVERING ALL FUTURE ELECTIONS. AN ELECTION OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR ISSUING ABSENT VOTER BALLOTS SHALL ISSUE AN ABSENT VOTER BALLOT FOR EACH ELECTION TO EVERY VOTER IN THE JURISDICTION WHO HAS EXERCISED THE RIGHT IN THIS PART (K) OF SUBSECTION (4) (1) AND SHALL NOT REQUIRE SUCH VOTER TO SUBMIT A SEPARATE APPLICATION FOR AN ABSENT VOTER BALLOT FOR ANY ELECTION. A VOTER’S EXERCISE OF THIS RIGHT SHALL BE RESCINDED ONLY IF: (1) THE VOTER SUBMITS A SIGNED REQUEST TO RESCIND; (2) THE VOTER IS NO LONGER QUALIFIED TO VOTE; (3) THE SECRETARY OF STATE OR THE ELECTION OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR ISSUING THE VOTER AN ABSENT VOTER BALLOT RECEIVES RELIABLE INFORMATION THAT THE VOTER HAS MOVED TO ANOTHER STATE, OR HAS MOVED WITHIN THIS STATE WITHOUT UPDATING THEIR VOTER REGISTRATION ADDRESS; OR (4) THE VOTER DOES NOT VOTE FOR SIX (6) CONSECUTIVE YEARS. THE EXERCISE OF THE RIGHT IN THIS PART (K) OF SUBSECTION (4)(1) SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT WITHOUT THE NEED FOR A NEW ABSENT VOTER BALLOT APPLICATION WHEN THE VOTER CHANGES THEIR RESIDENCE IN THIS STATE AND UPDATES THEIR VOTER REGISTRATION ADDRESS.

(L)(h) The right to have the results of statewide elections audited, in such a manner as prescribed by law, to ensure the accuracy and integrity of elections. THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL CONDUCT ELECTION AUDITS, AND SHALL SUPERVISE AND DIRECT COUNTY ELECTION OFFICIALS IN THE CONDUCT OF SUCH AUDITS. NO OFFICER OR MEMBER OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF A NATIONAL, STATE, OR LOCAL POLITICAL PARTY, AND NO POLITICAL PARTY PRECINCT DELEGATE, SHALL HAVE ANY ROLE IN THE DIRECTION, SUPERVISION, OR CONDUCT OF AN ELECTION AUDIT. PUBLIC ELECTION OFFICIALS SHALL MAINTAIN THE SECURITY AND CUSTODY OF ALL BALLOTS AND ELECTION MATERIALS DURING AN ELECTION AUDIT. ELECTION AUDITS SHALL BE CONDUCTED IN PUBLIC BASED ON METHODS FINALIZED AND MADE PUBLIC PRIOR TO THE ELECTION TO BE AUDITED. ALL FUNDING OF ELECTION AUDITS SHALL BE PUBLICLY DISCLOSED.

(M) THE RIGHT, ONCE REGISTERED, TO VOTE IN EACH STATEWIDE AND FEDERAL ELECTION IN PERSON AT AN EARLY VOTING SITE PRIOR TO ELECTION DAY. VOTERS AT EARLY VOTING SITES SHALL HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AND BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME REQUIREMENTS AS VOTERS AT POLLING PLACES ON ELECTION DAY. AN EARLY VOTING SITE IS A POLLING PLACE AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME REQUIREMENTS AS AN ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACE, EXCEPT THAT AN EARLY VOTING SITE MAY SERVE VOTERS FROM MORE THAN SIX (6) PRECINCTS AND MAY SERVE VOTERS FROM MORE THAN ONE (1) MUNICIPALITY WITHIN A COUNTY. AN EARLY VOTING SITE SHALL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME REQUIREMENTS AS AN ELECTION DAY PRECINCT, EXCEPT THAT ANY STATUTORY LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF VOTERS ASSIGNED TO A PRECINCT SHALL NOT APPLY TO AN EARLY VOTING SITE. EACH EARLY VOTING SITE SHALL BE OPEN FOR AT LEAST NINE (9) CONSECUTIVE DAYS BEGINNING ON THE SECOND SATURDAY BEFORE THE ELECTION AND ENDING ON THE SUNDAY BEFORE THE ELECTION, FOR AT LEAST EIGHT (8) HOURS EACH DAY, AND MAY BE OPEN FOR ADDITIONAL DAYS AND HOURS BEYOND WHAT IS REQUIRED HEREIN AT THE DISCRETION OF THE ELECTION OFFICIAL AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE BALLOTS IN THE JURISDICTION CONDUCTING THE ELECTION. JURISDICTIONS CONDUCTING ELECTIONS WITHIN A COUNTY MAY ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS TO SHARE EARLY VOTING SITES. A JURISDICTION CONDUCTING AN ELECTION MAY ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CLERK OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH IT IS LOCATED AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY CLERK TO CONDUCT EARLY VOTING FOR THE JURISDICTION. JURISDICTIONS CONDUCTING NON-STATEWIDE ELECTIONS MAY OFFER EARLY VOTING FOR SUCH ELECTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PART (M) OF SUBSECTION (4)(1). NO EARLY VOTING RESULTS SHALL BE GENERATED OR REPORTED UNTIL AFTER EIGHT (8) PM ON ELECTION DAY.

All rights set forth in this subsection shall be self-executing. This subsection shall be liberally construed in favor of voters’ rights in order to effectuate its purposes. Nothing contained in this subsection shall prevent the legislature from expanding voters’ rights beyond what is provided herein. This subsection and any portion hereof shall be severable. If any portion of this subsection is held invalid or unenforceable as to any person or circumstance, that invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity, enforceability, or application of any other portion of this subsection.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this constitution or in the constitution or laws of the United States the legislature shall enact laws to regulate the time, place and manner of all nominations and elections, to preserve the purity of elections, to preserve the secrecy of the ballot, to guard against abuses of the elective franchise, and to provide for a system of voter registration and absentee voting. No law shall be enacted which permits a candidate in any partisan primary or partisan election to have a ballot designation except when required for identification of candidates for the same office who have the same or similar surnames.

(3) A COUNTY, CITY, OR TOWNSHIP CONDUCTING AN ELECTION MAY ACCEPT AND USE PUBLICLY-DISCLOSED CHARITABLE DONATIONS AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS TO CONDUCT AND ADMINISTER ELECTIONS. THE COUNTY, CITY, OR TOWNSHIP SHALL RETAIN DISCRETION OVER WHETHER TO ACCEPT OR USE ANY SUCH DONATIONS OR CONTRIBUTIONS. CHARITABLE DONATIONS AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS OF FOREIGN FUNDS OR FROM FOREIGN SOURCES ARE PROHIBITED.

Sec. 7. Boards of canvassers (1) THE OUTCOME OF EVERY ELECTION IN THIS STATE SHALL BE DETERMINED SOLELY BY THE VOTE OF ELECTORS CASTING BALLOTS IN THE ELECTION.

(2) A board of state canvassers of four members shall be established by law. No candidate for an office to be canvassed nor any inspector of elections shall be eligible to serve as a member of a board of canvassers. A majority of any board of canvassers shall not be composed of members of the same political party. THE LEGISLATURE MAY BY LAW ESTABLISH BOARDS OF COUNTY CANVASSERS.

(3) IT SHALL BE THE MINISTERIAL, CLERICAL, NONDISCRETIONARY DUTY OF A BOARD OF CANVASSERS, AND OF EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER THEREOF, TO CERTIFY ELECTION RESULTS BASED SOLELY ON: (1) CERTIFIED STATEMENTS OF VOTES FROM COUNTIES; OR (2) IN THE CASE OF BOARDS OF COUNTY CANVASSERS, STATEMENTS OF RETURNS FROM THE PRECINCTS AND ABSENT VOTER COUNTING BOARDS IN THE COUNTY AND ANY CORRECTED RETURNS. THE BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS IS THE ONLY BODY OR ENTITY IN THIS STATE AUTHORIZED TO CERTIFY THE RESULTS OF AN ELECTION FOR STATEWIDE OR FEDERAL OFFICE AND TO DETERMINE WHICH PERSON IS ELECTED IN SUCH ELECTION.

(4) IF THE CERTIFIED RESULTS FOR ANY OFFICE CERTIFIED BY THE BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS SHOW A TIE AMONG TWO (2) OR MORE PERSONS, THE TIE SHALL BE RESOLVED AND THE WINNER CERTIFIED BY THE DRAWING OF LOTS UNDER RULES PROMULGATED BY THE BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS. IF THE CERTIFIED RESULTS FOR AN OFFICE CERTIFIED BY A BOARD OF COUNTY CANVASSERS SHOW A TIE AMONG TWO (2) OR MORE PERSONS, THE TIE SHALL BE RESOLVED AND THE WINNER CERTIFIED BY SUCH BOARD OF CANVASSERS UNDER PROCEDURES PRESCRIBED BY LAW.

(5) THE CERTIFICATION OF ANY ELECTION RESULTS BY THE BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS SHALL BE FINAL SUBJECT ONLY TO (A) A POST-CERTIFICATION RECOUNT OF THE VOTES CAST IN THAT ELECTION SUPERVISED BY THE BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS UNDER PROCEDURES PRESCRIBED BY LAW; OR (B) A POST-CERTIFICATION COURT ORDER.

(6) A BOARD OF CANVASSERS IS AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT POST-CERTIFICATION RECOUNTS OF ELECTION RESULTS UNDER PROCEDURES PRESCRIBED BY LAW.

(7) FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION “TO CERTIFY” MEANS TO MAKE A SIGNED, WRITTEN STATEMENT.

Provisions of existing constitution altered or abrogated by the proposal if adopted:

Article 2, § 4 Place and manner of elections.

Sec. 4. (1) Every citizen of the United States who is an elector qualified to vote in Michigan shall have the following rights:

(a) The right, once registered, to vote a secret ballot in all elections.

(b) The right, if serving in the military or living overseas, to have an absent voter ballot sent to them at least forty-five (45} days before an election upon application.

(c) The right, once registered, to a “straight party” vote option on partisan general election ballots. In partisan elections, the ballot shall include a position at the top of the ballot by which the voter may, by a single selection, record a straight party ticket vote for all the candidates of one (1) party. The voter may vote a split or mixed ticket.

(d) The right to be automatically registered to vote as a result of conducting business with the secretary of state regarding a driver’s license or personal identification card, unless the person declines such registration.

(e) The right to register to vote for an election by mailing a completed voter registration application on or before the fifteenth (15th) day before that election to an election official authorized to receive voter registration applications.

(f) The right to register to vote for an election by (1) appearing in person and submitting a completed voter registration application on or before the fifteenth (15th) day before that election to an election official authorized to receive voter registration applications, or (2) beginning on the fourteenth (14th) day before that election and continuing through the day of that election, appearing in person, submitting a completed voter registration application and providing proof of residency to an election official responsible for maintaining custody of the registration file where the person resides, or their deputies. Persons registered in accordance with subsection (1)(f) shall be immediately eligible to receive a regular or absent voter ballot.

(g) The right, once registered, to vote an absent voter ballot without giving a reason, during the forty (40) days before an election, and the right to choose whether the absent voter ballot is applied for, received and submitted in person or by mail. During that time, election officials authorized to issue absent voter ballots shall be available in at least one (1) location to issue and receive absent voter ballots during the election officials’ regularly scheduled business hours and for at least eight (8) hours during the Saturday and/or Sunday immediately prior to the election. Those election officials shall have the authority to make absent voter ballots available for voting in person at additional times and places beyond what is required herein.

(h) The right to have the results of statewide elections audited, in such a manner as prescribed by law, to ensure the accuracy and integrity of elections.

All rights set forth in this subsection shall be self-executing. This subsection shall be liberally construed in favor of voters’ rights in order to effectuate its purposes. Nothing contained in this subsection shall prevent the legislature from expanding voters’ rights beyond what is provided herein. This subsection and any portion hereof shall be severable. If any portion of this subsection is held invalid or unenforceable as to any person or circumstance, that invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity, enforceability, or application of any other portion of this subsection.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this constitution or in the constitution or laws of the United States the legislature shall enact laws to regulate the time, place and manner of all nominations and elections, to preserve the purity of elections, to preserve the secrecy of the ballot, to guard against abuses of the elective franchise, and to provide for a system of voter registration and absentee voting. No law shall be enacted which permits a candidate in any partisan primary or partisan election to have a ballot designation except when required for identification of candidates for the same office who have the same or similar surnames.

Article 2, § 6 Voters on tax limit increases or bond issues.

Sec. 6. Whenever any question is required to be submitted by a political subdivision to the electors for the increase of the ad valorem tax rate limitation imposed by Section 6 of Article IX for a period of more than five years, or for the issue of bonds, only electors in, and who have property assessed for any ad valorem taxes in, any part of the district or territory to be affected by the result of such election or electors who are the lawful husbands or wives of such persons shall be entitled to vote thereon. All electors in the district or territory affected may vote on all other questions.

Article 2, § 7 Boards of canvassers.

Sec. 7. A board of state canvassers of four members shall be established by law. No candidate for an office to be canvassed nor any inspector of elections shall be eligible to serve as a member of a board of canvassers. A majority of any board of canvassers shall not be composed of members of the same political party.

Article 4, § 1 Legislative power.

Sec. 1. Except to the extent limited or abrogated by article IV, section 6 or article V, section 2, the legislative power of the State of Michigan is vested in a senate and a house of representatives.

Article 4, § 16 Legislature; officers, rules of procedure, expulsion of members.

Sec. 16. Each house, except as otherwise provided in this constitution, shall choose its own officers and determine the rules of its proceedings, but shall not adopt any rule that will prevent a majority of the members elected thereto and serving therein from discharging a committee from the further consideration of any measure. Each house shall be the sole judge of the qualifications, elections and returns of its members, and may, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all the members elected thereto and serving therein, expel a member. The reasons for such expulsion shall be entered in the journal, with the votes and names of the members voting upon the question. No member shall be expelled a second time for the same cause.

Article 5, § 1 Executive power.

Sec. 1. Except to the extent limited or abrogated by article V, section 2, or article IV, section 6, the executive power is vested in the governor.

Article 5, § 13 Elections to fill vacancies in legislature.

Sec. 13. The governor shall issue writs of election to fill vacancies in the senate or house of representatives. Any such election shall be held in a manner prescribed by law.

Article 6, § 1 Judicial power in court of justice; divisions.

Sec. 1. Except to the extent limited or abrogated by article IV, section 6, or article V, section 2, the judicial power of the state is vested exclusively in one court of justice which shall be divided into one supreme court, one court of appeals, one trial court of general jurisdiction known as the circuit court, one probate court, and courts of limited jurisdiction that the legislature may establish by a two-thirds vote of the members elected to and serving in each house.

Article 6, § 2 Justices of the supreme court; number, term, nomination, election.

Sec. 2. The supreme court shall consist of seven justices elected at non-partisan elections as provided by law. The term of office shall be eight years and not more than two terms of office shall expire at the same time. Nominations for justices of the supreme court shall be in the manner prescribed by law. Any incumbent justice whose term is to expire may become a candidate for re-election by filing an affidavit of candidacy, in the form and manner prescribed by law, not less than 180 days prior to the expiration of his term.

Article 6, § 8 Court of appeals; election of judges, divisions.

Sec. 8. The court of appeals shall consist initially of nine judges who shall be nominated and elected at non-partisan elections from districts drawn on county lines and as nearly as possible of equal population, as provided by law. The supreme court may prescribe by rule that the court of appeals sit in divisions and for the terms of court and the times and places thereof. Each such division shall consist of not fewer than three judges. The number of judges comprising the court of appeals may be increased, and the districts from which they are elected may be changed by law.

Article 6, § 23 Judicial vacancies, filling; appointee, term; successor; new offices.

Sec. 23. A vacancy shall occur in the office of judge of any court of record or in the district court by death, removal, resignation or vacating of the office, and such vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the governor. The person appointed by the governor shall hold office until 12 noon of the first day of January next succeeding the first general election held after the vacancy occurs, at which election a successor shall be elected for the remainder of the unexpired term. Whenever a new office of judge in a court of record, or the district court, is created by law, it shall be filled by election as provided by law. The supreme court may authorize persons who have been elected and served as judges to perform judicial duties for limited periods or specific assignments.

Article 6, § 26 Circuit court commissioners and justices of the peace, abolition; courts of limited jurisdiction.

Sec. 26. The offices of circuit court commissioner and justice of the peace are abolished at the expiration of five years from the date this constitution becomes effective or may within this period be abolished by law. Their jurisdiction, compensation and powers within this period shall be as provided by law. Within this five-year period, the legislature shall establish a court or courts of limited jurisdiction with powers and jurisdiction defined by law. The location of such court or courts, and the qualifications, tenure, method of election and salary of the judges of such court or courts, and by what governmental units the judges shall be paid, shall be provided by law, subject to the limitations contained in this article.

Present statutory courts.

Statutory courts in existence at the time this constitution becomes effective shall retain their powers and jurisdiction, except as provided by law, until they are abolished by law.

Article 7, § 3 Reduction of size of county.

Sec. 3. No organized county shall be reduced by the organization of new counties to less than 16 townships as surveyed by the United States, unless approved in the manner prescribed by law by a majority of electors voting thereon in each county to be affected.

Article 7, § 10 Removal of county seat.

Sec. 10. A county seat once established shall not be removed until the place to which it is proposed to be moved shall be designated by two-thirds of the members of the board of supervisors and a majority of the electors voting thereon shall have approved the proposed location in the manner prescribed by law.

Article 7, § 18 Township officers; term, powers and duties.

Sec. 18. In each organized township there shall be elected for terms of not less than two nor more than four years as prescribed by law a supervisor, a clerk, a treasurer, and not to exceed four trustees, whose legislative and administrative powers and duties shall be provided by law.

Article 7, § 22 Charters, resolutions, ordinances; enumeration of powers.

Sec. 22. Under general laws the electors of each city and village shall have the power and authority to frame, adopt and amend its charter, and to amend an existing charter of the city or village heretofore granted or enacted by the legislature for the government of the city or village. Each such city and village shall have power to adopt resolutions and ordinances relating to its municipal concerns, property and government, subject to the constitution and law. No enumeration of powers granted to cities and villages in this constitution shall limit or restrict the general grant of authority conferred by this section.

Article 7, § 28 Governmental functions and powers; joint administration, costs and credits, transfers.

Sec. 28. The legislature by general law shall authorize two or more counties, townships, cities, villages or districts, or any combination thereof among other things to: enter into contractual undertakings or agreements with one another or with the state or with any combination thereof for the joint administration of any of the functions or powers which each would have the power to perform separately; share the costs and responsibilities of functions and services with one another or with the state or with any combination thereof which each would have the power to perform separately; transfer functions or responsibilities to one another or any combination thereof upon the consent of each unit involved; cooperate with one
another and with state government; lend their credit to one another or any combination thereof as provided by law in connection with any authorized publicly owned undertaking.

Officers, eligibility.

Any other provision of this constitution notwithstanding, an officer or employee of the state or any such unit of government or subdivision or agency thereof, except members of the legislature, may serve on or with any governmental body established for the purposes set forth in this section and shall not be required to relinquish his office or employment by reason of such service.

Article 8, § 3 State board of education; duties.

Sec. 3. Leadership and general supervision over all public education, including adult education and instructional programs in state institutions, except as to institutions of higher education granting baccalaureate degrees, is vested in a state board of education. It shall serve as the general planning and coordinating body for all public education, including higher education, and shall advise the legislature as to the financial requirements in connection therewith.

Superintendent of public instruction; appointment, powers, duties.

The state board of education shall appoint a superintendent of public instruction whose term of office shall be determined by the board. He shall be the chairman of the board without the right to vote, and shall be responsible for the execution of its policies. He shall be the principal executive officer of a state department of education which shall have powers and duties provided by law.

State board of education; members, nomination, election, term.

The state board of education shall consist of eight members who shall be nominated by party conventions and elected at large for terms of eight years as prescribed by law. The governor shall fill any vacancy by appointment for the unexpired term. The governor shall be ex-officio a member of the state board of education without the right to vote.

Boards of institutions of higher education, limitation.

The power of the boards of institutions of higher education provided in this constitution to supervise their respective institutions and control and direct the expenditure of the institutions’ funds shall not be limited by this section.

Article 8, § 5 University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University; controlling boards.

Sec. 5. The regents of the University of Michigan and their successors in office shall constitute a body corporate known as the Regents of the University of Michigan; the trustees of Michigan State University and their successors in office shall constitute a body corporate known as the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University; the governors of Wayne State University and their successors in office shall constitute a body corporate known as the Board of Governors of Wayne State University. Each board shall have general supervision of its institution and the control and direction of all expenditures
from the institution’s funds. Each board shall, as often as necessary, elect a president of the institution under its supervision. He shall be the principal executive officer of the institution, be ex-officio a member of the board without the right to vote and preside at meetings of the board. The board of each institution shall consist of eight members who shall hold office for terms of eight years and who shall be elected as provided by law. The governor shall fill board vacancies by appointment. Each appointee shall hold office until a successor has been nominated and elected as provided by law.

Article 9, § 6 Real and tangible personal property; limitation on general ad valorem taxes; adoption and alteration of separate tax limitations; exceptions to limitations; property tax on school district extending into 2 or more counties.

Section 6. Except as otherwise provided in this constitution, the total amount of general ad valorem taxes imposed upon real and tangible personal property for all purposes in any one year shall not exceed 15 mills on each dollar of the assessed valuation of property as finally equalized. Under procedures provided by law, which shall guarantee the right of initiative, separate tax limitations for any county and for the townships and for school districts therein, the aggregate of which shall not exceed 18 mills on each dollar of such valuation, may be adopted and thereafter altered by the vote of a majority of the qualified electors of such county voting thereon, in lieu of the limitation hereinbefore established. These limitations may be increased to an aggregate of not to exceed 50 mills on each dollar of valuation, for a period of not to exceed 20 years at any one time, if approved by a majority of the electors, qualified under Section 6 of Article II of this constitution, voting on the question.

The foregoing limitations shall not apply to taxes imposed for the payment of principal and interest on bonds approved by the electors or other evidences of indebtedness approved by the electors or for the payment of assessments or contract obligations in anticipation of which bonds are issued approved by the electors, which taxes may be imposed without limitation as to rate or amount; or, subject to the provisions of Section 25 through 34 of this article, to taxes imposed for any other purpose by any city, village, charter county, charter township, charter authority or other authority, the tax limitations of which are provided by charter or by general law.

In any school district which extends into two or more counties, property taxes at the highest rate available in the county which contains the greatest part of the area of the district may be imposed and collected for school purposes throughout the district.

Official ballot wording:

Proposal 22-3

FULL TEXT OF PROPOSED INITIATED LAW:

The full text of the proposal amending Article I to add Section 28 is as follows:

ARTICLE 1, SECTION 28 RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM

(1) EVERY INDIVIDUAL HAS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM, WHICH ENTAILS THE RIGHT TO MAKE AND EFFECTUATE DECISIONS ABOUT ALL MATTERS RELATING TO PREGNANCY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PRENATAL CARE, CHILDBIRTH, POSTPARTUM CARE, CONTRACEPTION, STERILIZATION, ABORTION CARE, MISCARRIAGE MANAGEMENT, AND INFERTILITY CARE.

AN INDIVIDUAL’S RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM SHALL NOT BE DENIED, BURDENED, NOR INFRINGED UPON UNLESS JUSTIFIED BY A COMPELLING STATE INTEREST ACHIEVED BY THE LEAST RESTRICTIVE MEANS.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABOVE, THE STATE MAY REGULATE THE PROVISION OF ABORTION CARE AFTER FETAL VIABILITY, PROVIDED THAT IN NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL THE STATE PROHIBIT AN ABORTION THAT, IN THE PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT OF AN ATTENDING HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL, IS MEDICALLY INDICATED TO PROTECT THE LIFE OR PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH OF THE PREGNANT INDIVIDUAL.

(2) THE STATE SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE IN THE PROTECTION OR ENFORCEMENT OF THIS FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT.

(3) THE STATE SHALL NOT PENALIZE, PROSECUTE, OR OTHERWISE TAKE ADVERSE ACTION AGAINST AN INDIVIDUAL BASED ON THEIR ACTUAL, POTENTIAL, PERCEIVED, OR ALLEGED PREGNANCY OUTCOMES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MISCARRIAGE, STILLBIRTH, OR ABORTION. NOR SHALL THE STATE PENALIZE, PROSECUTE, OR OTHERWISE TAKE ADVERSE ACTION AGAINST SOMEONE FOR AIDING OR ASSISTING A PREGNANT INDIVIDUAL IN EXERCISING THEIR RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM WITH THEIR VOLUNTARY CONSENT.

(4) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION:

A STATE INTEREST IS “COMPELLING” ONLY IF IT IS FOR THE LIMITED PURPOSE OF PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF AN INDIVIDUAL SEEKING CARE, CONSISTENT WITH ACCEPTED CLINICAL STANDARDS OF PRACTICE AND EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE, AND DOES NOT INFRINGE ON THAT INDIVIDUAL’S AUTONOMOUS DECISION-MAKING. “FETAL VIABILITY” MEANS: THE POINT IN PREGNANCY WHEN, IN THE PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT OF AN ATTENDING HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL AND BASED ON THE PARTICULAR FACTS OF THE CASE, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT LIKELIHOOD OF THE FETUS’S SUSTAINED SURVIVAL OUTSIDE THE UTERUS WITHOUT THE APPLICATION OF EXTRAORDINARY MEDICAL MEASURES.

(5) THIS SECTION SHALL BE SELF-EXECUTING. ANY PROVISION OF THIS SECTION HELD INVALID SHALL BE SEVERABLE FROM THE REMAINING PORTIONS OF THIS SECTION.

Provisions of existing constitution altered or abrogated by the proposal if adopted:

ARTICLE I
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS

§ 2 Equal protection; discrimination.

Sec. 2. No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws; nor shall any person be denied the enjoyment of his civil or political rights or be discriminated against in the exercise thereof because of religion, race, color or national origin. The legislature shall implement this section by appropriate legislation.

§ 23 Enumeration of rights not to deny others.

Sec. 23. The enumeration in this constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

§ 27 Human embryo and embryonic stem cell research.

Section 27. (1) Nothing in this section shall alter Michigan’s current prohibition on human cloning. (2) To ensure that Michigan citizens have access to stem cell therapies and cures, and to ensure that physicians and researchers can conduct the most promising forms of medical research in this state, and that all such research is conducted safely and ethically, any research permitted under federal law on human embryos may be conducted in Michigan, subject to the requirements of federal law and only the following additional limitations and requirements: (a) No stem cells may be taken from a human embryo more than fourteen days after cell division begins; provided, however, that time during which an embryo is frozen does not count against this fourteen day limit. (b) The human embryos were created for the purpose of fertility treatment and, with voluntary and informed consent, documented in writing, the person seeking fertility treatment chose to donate the embryos for research; and (i) the embryos were in excess of the clinical need of the person seeking the fertility treatment and would otherwise be discarded unless they are used for research; or (ii) the embryos were not suitable for implantation and would otherwise be discarded unless they are used for research. (c) No person may, for valuable consideration, purchase or sell human embryos for stem cell research or stem cell therapies and cures. (d) All stem cell research and all stem cell therapies and cures must be conducted and provided in accordance with state and local laws of general applicability, including but not limited to laws concerning scientific and medical practices and patient safety and privacy, to the extent that any such laws do not: (i) prevent, restrict, obstruct, or discourage any stem cell research or stem cell therapies and cures that are permitted by the provisions of this section; or (ii) create disincentives for any person to engage in or otherwise associate with such research or therapies or cures. (3) Any provision of this section held unconstitutional shall be severable from the remaining portions of this section.

ARTICLE III
GENERAL GOVERNMENT

§ 7 Common law and statutes, continuance.

Sec. 7. The common law and the statute laws now in force, not repugnant to this constitution, shall remain in force until they expire by their own limitations, or are changed, amended or repealed.

ARTICLE IV
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

§ 1 Legislative power.

Sec. 1. Except to the extent limited or abrogated by article IV, section 6 or article V, section 2, the legislative power of the State of Michigan is vested in a senate and a house of representatives.

§ 31 General appropriation bills; priority, statement of estimated revenue.

Sec. 31. The general appropriation bills for the succeeding fiscal period covering items set forth in the budget shall be passed or rejected in either house of the legislature before that house passes any appropriation bill for items not in the budget except bills supplementing appropriations for the current fiscal year’s operation. Any bill requiring an appropriation to carry out its purpose shall be considered an appropriation bill. One of the general appropriation bills as passed by the legislature shall contain an itemized statement of estimated revenue by major source in each operating fund for the ensuing fiscal period, the total of which shall not be less than the total of all appropriations made from each fund in the general appropriation bills as passed.

§ 51 Public health and general welfare.

Sec. 51. The public health and general welfare of the people of the state are hereby declared to be matters of primary public concern. The legislature shall pass suitable laws for the protection and promotion of the public health.

ARTICLE V
EXECUTIVE BRANCH

§ 1 Executive power.

Sec. 1. Except to the extent limited or abrogated by article V, section 2, or article IV, section 6, the executive power is vested in the governor.

§ 18 Budget; general and deficiency appropriation bills.

Sec. 18. The governor shall submit to the legislature at a time fixed by law, a budget for the ensuing fiscal period setting forth in detail, for all operating funds, the proposed expenditures and estimated revenue of the state. Proposed expenditures from any fund shall not exceed the estimated revenue thereof. On the same date, the governor shall submit to the legislature general appropriation bills to embody the proposed expenditures and any necessary bill or bills to provide new or additional revenues to meet proposed expenditures. The amount of any surplus created or deficit incurred in any fund during the last preceding fiscal period shall be entered as an item in the budget and in one of the appropriation bills. The governor may submit amendments to appropriation bills to be offered in either house during consideration of the bill by that house, and shall submit bills to meet deficiencies in current appropriations.

ARTICLE VI
JUDICIAL BRANCH

§ 1 Judicial power in court of justice; divisions.

Sec. 1. Except to the extent limited or abrogated by article IV, section 6, or article V, section 2, the judicial power of the state is vested exclusively in one court of justice which shall be divided into one supreme court, one court of appeals, one trial court of general jurisdiction known as the circuit court, one probate court, and courts of limited jurisdiction that the legislature may establish by a two-thirds vote of the members elected to and serving in each house.

§ 28 Administrative action, review.

Sec. 28. All final decisions, findings, rulings and orders of any administrative officer or agency existing under the constitution or by law, which are judicial or quasi-judicial and affect private rights or licenses, shall be subject to direct review by the courts as provided by law. This review shall include, as a minimum, the determination whether such final decisions, findings, rulings and orders are authorized by law; and, in cases in which a hearing is required, whether the same are supported by competent, material and substantial evidence on the whole record. Findings of fact in workmen’s compensation proceedings shall be conclusive in the absence of fraud unless otherwise provided by law.

ARTICLE VIII
EDUCATION

§ 5 University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University; controlling boards.

Sec. 5. The regents of the University of Michigan and their successors in office shall constitute a body corporate known as the Regents of the University of Michigan; the trustees of Michigan State University and their successors in office shall constitute a body corporate known as the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University; the governors of Wayne State University and their successors in office shall constitute a body corporate known as the Board of Governors of Wayne State University. Each board shall have general supervision of its institution and the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution’s funds. Each board shall, as often as necessary, elect a president of the institution under its supervision. He shall be the principal executive officer of the institution, be ex-officio a member of the board without the right to vote and preside at meetings of the board. The board of each institution shall consist of eight members who shall hold office for terms of eight years and who shall be elected as provided by law. The governor shall fill board vacancies by appointment. Each appointee shall hold office until a successor has been nominated and elected as provided by law.

§ 6 Other institutions of higher education, controlling boards.

Sec. 6. Other institutions of higher education established by law having authority to grant baccalaureate degrees shall each be governed by a board of control which shall be a body corporate. The board shall have general supervision of the institution and the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution’s funds. It shall, as often as necessary, elect a president of the institution under its supervision. He shall be the principal executive officer of the institution and be ex-officio a member of the board without the right to vote. The board may elect one of its members or may designate the president, to preside at board meetings. Each board of control shall consist of eight members who shall hold office for terms of eight years, not more than two of which shall expire in the same year, and who shall be appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate. Vacancies shall be filled in like manner.

§ 7 Community and junior colleges; state board, members, terms, vacancies.

Sec. 7. The legislature shall provide by law for the establishment and financial support of public community and junior colleges which shall be supervised and controlled by locally elected boards. The legislature shall provide by law for a state board for public community and junior colleges which shall advise the state board of education concerning general supervision and planning for such colleges and requests for annual appropriations for their support. The board shall consist of eight members who shall hold office for terms of eight years, not more than two of which shall expire in the same year, and who shall be appointed by the state board of education. Vacancies shall be filled in like manner. The superintendent of public instruction shall be ex-officio a member of this board without the right to vote.

ARTICLE IX
FINANCE AND TAXATION

§ 17 Payments from state treasury.

Sec. 17. No money shall be paid out of the state treasury except in pursuance of appropriations made by law.

ARTICLE XI
PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYMENT

§ 5 Classified state civil service; scope; exempted positions; appointment and terms of members of state civil service commission; state personnel director; duties of commission; collective bargaining for state police troopers and sergeants; appointments, promotions, demotions, or removals; increases or reductions in compensation; creating or abolishing positions; recommending compensation for unclassified service; appropriation; reports of expenditures; annual audit; payment for personal services; violation; injunctive or mandamus proceedings.

Sec. 5. The classified state civil service shall consist of all positions in the state service except those filled by popular election, heads of principal departments, members of boards and commissions, the principal executive officer of boards and commissions heading principal departments, employees of courts of record, employees of the legislature, employees of the state institutions of higher education, all persons in the armed forces of the state, eight exempt positions in the office of the governor, and within each principal department, when requested by the department head, two other exempt positions, one of which shall be policy-making. The civil service commission may exempt three additional positions of a policy-making nature within each principal department. The civil service commission shall be non-salaried and shall consist of four persons, not more than two of whom shall be members of the same political party, appointed by the governor for terms of eight years, no two of which shall expire in the same year. The administration of the commission’s powers shall be vested in a state personnel director who shall be a member of the classified service and who shall be responsible to and selected by the commission after open competitive examination. The commission shall classify all positions in the classified service according to their respective duties and responsibilities, fix rates of compensation for all classes of positions, approve or disapprove disbursements for all personal services, determine by competitive examination and performance exclusively on the basis of merit, efficiency and fitness the qualifications of all candidates for positions in the classified service, make rules and regulations covering all personnel transactions, and regulate all conditions of employment in the classified service. State Police Troopers and Sergeants shall, through their elected representative designated by 50% of such troopers and sergeants, have the right to bargain collectively with their employer concerning conditions of their employment, compensation, hours, working conditions, retirement, pensions, and other aspects of employment except promotions which will be determined by competitive examination and performance on the basis of merit, efficiency and fitness; and they shall have the right 30 days after commencement of such bargaining to submit any unresolved disputes to binding arbitration for the resolution thereof the same as now provided by law for Public Police and Fire Departments. No person shall be appointed to or promoted in the classified service who has not been certified by the commission as qualified for such appointment or promotion. No appointments, promotions, demotions or removals in the classified service shall be made for religious, racial or partisan considerations. Increases in rates of compensation authorized by the commission may be effective only at the start of a fiscal year and shall require prior notice to the governor, who shall transmit such increases to the legislature as part of his budget. The legislature may, by a majority vote of the members elected to and serving in each house, waive the notice and permit increases in rates of compensation to be effective at a time other than the start of a fiscal year. Within 60 calendar days following such transmission, the legislature may, by a two-thirds vote of the members elected to and serving in each house, reject or reduce increases in rates of compensation authorized by the commission. Any reduction ordered by the legislature shall apply uniformly to all classes of employees affected by the increases and shall not adjust pay differentials already established by the civil service commission. The legislature may not reduce rates of compensation below those in effect at the time of the transmission of increases authorized by the commission. The appointing authorities may create or abolish positions for reasons of administrative efficiency without the approval of the commission. Positions shall not be created nor abolished except for reasons of administrative efficiency. Any employee considering himself aggrieved by the abolition or creation of a position shall have a right of appeal to the commission through established grievance procedures. The civil service commission shall recommend to the governor and to the legislature rates of compensation for all appointed positions within the executive department not a part of the classified service. To enable the commission to exercise its powers, the legislature shall appropriate to the commission for the ensuing fiscal year a sum not less than one percent of the aggregate payroll of the classified service for the preceding fiscal year, as certified by the commission. Within six months after the conclusion of each fiscal year the commission shall return to the state treasury all moneys unexpended for that fiscal year. The commission shall furnish reports of expenditures, at least annually, to the governor and the legislature and shall be subject to annual audit as provided by law. No payment for personal services shall be made or authorized until the provisions of this constitution pertaining to civil service have been complied with in every particular. Violation of any of the provisions hereof may be restrained or observance compelled by injunctive or mandamus proceedings brought by any citizen of the state.

Official ballot wording: