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What is a Constitutional Convention?

Every 16 years, Michigan voters are asked whether to dig into the state’s constitution and make edits in what’s known as a Constitutional Convention, or Con-Con. But what would a Con-Con actually look like? And what can voters understand about past Con-Cons that will help them say yes or no on this year’s ballot? 

Event Details

date and Time

Thursday, October 8, 2026, 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Event Type

In-person

Location

Bentley Historical Library 1150 Beal Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Organizer

Bentley Historical Libary

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This fall, on November 3, it will be on Michigan ballots as “Proposal 1.”

If voters say yes to Proposal 1, that would begin the process of holding a constitutional convention – or “Con-Con.”

During a Con-Con, delegates can make changes to the state constitution.

But what would a Con-Con actually look like? And what can voters understand about past Con-Cons that will help them say yes or no to Proposal 1?

Michigan’s most recent Con-Con was held in 1961, and the Bentley Library is home to a host of materials related to this pivotal moment in the state’s history – from the papers of politicians and Con-Con delegates to newspaper articles, photos, and more.

You’re invited to join the Bentley Historical Library as we take a look back at the 1961 Con-Con and consider how the work done by delegates shapes our lives today.

October 8, 2026
6pm at the Bentley Historical Library

Speakers include:
> Lynn Liberato, author of Michigan’s Con-Con 11: Women and State Constitution-making in 1961
> Michelle McClellan, Bentley archivist working to grow the Library’s Con-Con collections and other political history in the state of Michigan

This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.