By Mark Bauer
When 65 percent of Americans say they feel exhausted just thinking about politics, that should be a warning sign that something’s not quite right. Our outdated voting methods contribute to our hyper-polarized politics, which is likely putting our cortisol levels in overdrive. In Michigan, a growing grassroots coalition believes it’s time for an upgrade. Their solution? Ranked choice voting, a simple reform with the potential to reshape how democracy works and feels for everyday people.
Leading that effort is Rank MI Vote, a nonpartisan organization launching a citizen-led ballot initiative to put RCV on the 2026 statewide ballot. Many of its volunteers were also part of the 2018 movement that passed Michigan’s landmark anti-gerrymandering amendment. They consider ranked choice voting a logical next step in Michigan’s long tradition of building toward fairer, more representative elections.
“In today’s polarized political climate, voters are hungry for meaningful ways to make a difference,” said Pat Zabawa, executive director of Rank MI Vote. “Our initiative offers a hopeful path forward—one that empowers people, strengthens our democracy, and ensures every voice counts.“
The upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election is also shaping that urgency, Pat said. With Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan planning to run as an independent, Michiganders will soon see firsthand how traditional plurality voting can lead to vote-splitting and distorted outcomes.
“With this on the top of voters’ minds, the race makes explaining vote splitting and its stakes easy to understand to voters who are new to RCV,” Pat said.
This isn’t just theoretical for political wonks. Real-world examples from states like Maine and Alaska provide a blueprint for how it can work.
One of the most striking things about this campaign is its inclusivity. From day one, Rank MI Vote has worked to build a Big Tent movement.
“We’re proud of the coalition we’ve built—one that includes community organizations, election officials, and political parties—all working together to craft a pragmatic, straightforward improvement to the way we vote, with meaningful impacts on representation,” Pat said.
As the campaign moves into full swing, it’s a chance for everyday people to take the reins of our democracy. Whether you’re deeply invested in politics or just sick and tired of the same hyper-polarized patterns, the campaign that’s underway in Michigan is one tangible way to give the system a much needed upgrade.
How the Ballot Initiative Works
Getting RCV on the ballot isn’t easy. It’s a complex, legally binding process. The campaign must collect hundreds of thousands of valid signatures in a tight window of time. Every volunteer counts.
Here’s how it works:
- Drafting the Proposal
The first step is legal precision. Rank MI Vote worked with election lawyers and policy experts to draft clear, constitutional language for the initiative. The proposal must comply with state law and be submitted to the Michigan Board of State Canvassers for approval.
- Getting the Green Light
Before circulating petitions, the initiative language must be reviewed and approved by the Board of State Canvassers. This body checks for clarity, legality, and whether the initiative fits within Michigan’s guidelines for constitutional or statutory amendments.
- Gathering Signatures
This is the heavy lift. To get on the ballot, a state constitutional amendment must collect at least 446,198 valid signatures from registered Michigan voters (as of the 2024 cycle, 10% of the votes cast for governor in the last election). These signatures must be gathered within a 180-day period. Every signature must be from a registered Michigan voter and petition circulators must follow strict formatting and procedural rules.
- Submitting Petitions
Once the campaign has gathered enough signatures, they’re submitted to the Secretary of State’s office. If the threshold is met and the petitions pass legal review, the initiative is certified for the ballot.
- On the Ballot
The measure appears on the next general election ballot. In this case, November 2026. A simple majority of voters must approve it for it to become law.
- Implementation
If voters approve the initiative, it’s up to the Michigan legislature and election officials to implement the policy. Some initiatives include language specifying how and when the new law must take effect, which is crucial for issues like election reform.
To support the effort, Rank MI Vote is recruiting volunteers to canvass, host house parties, and spread the word. “So if you know a Michigander, share the good news,” Pat said. “We’re making this happen, and we need their support to get it done!”
Help get ranked choice voting on ballots across the country by joining us or by donating.
The opinions expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of Rank the Vote.
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Mark Bauer is a producer, entrepreneur, day trader and former Independent candidate for Congress in Texas. Previously he spent 10 years as a legal journalist covering the legal market in Texas and regulatory issues in Washington DC.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Rank the Vote, its members, supporters, funders, or affiliates.
