LANSING, Mich. — Speaker Pro Tempore Rachelle Smit today noted that the statewide push to impose ranked-choice voting in Michigan has stalled after organizers failed to gather the number of signatures required to qualify for the ballot.

The group behind the proposal acknowledged this week that it did not collect enough valid signatures within the legally prescribed timeframe, ending the current effort to amend Michigan’s Constitution.

“Michigan’s election laws exist to protect voters, preserve clarity, and ensure accountability,” Smit said. “If a proposal cannot meet the basic legal requirements to appear on the ballot, it should not be forced on voters through shortcuts or confusion.”

Smit emphasized that Michigan voters continue to support transparent, straightforward elections that are easy to administer and easy to understand.

“Our focus remains on election integrity, voter confidence, and systems that work for every community… not on experimental schemes that add complexity without delivering clear benefits,” Smit said.

Ranked-choice voting is not currently permitted under Michigan law for statewide elections and would require a constitutional amendment approved by voters.

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