Michigan’s ballot measure history — from margarine wars to marijuana legalization

On this episode: Explore Michigan's fascinating 140-year ballot measure history with our very own Ryan Byrne. From its origins as the first state east of the Mississippi to adopt direct democracy, Michigan has seen voters reject income tax proposals six times over 50 years and nearly opt out of daylight saving time by just 490 votes. The state became the first in the Midwest to legalize marijuana and has witnessed unique ballot battles over everything from margarine regulations to communist party bans. Learn how Michigan's initiative process evolved from its restrictive 1908 beginnings to today's system, and discover what's coming in 2026, including a rare constitutional convention question that has surprising Republican support.

Learn more about Michigan’s ballot measure history: https://ballotpedia.org/Michigan_Ballot_Measures:_Historical_Ballot_Measures_Factbook 

Check out the other episodes in our Historical Ballot Measure Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtP8LWIl9mMNHPEjGV4G235vMd8bOR1_4 

Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 

Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates 

Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at ontheballot@ballotpedia.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.

*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.