MIDLAND, Mich. — On Nov. 3, Michigan voters will decide on Proposal 2, a statewide ballot measure that would significantly expand state campaign finance laws.

A new policy brief from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy examines how the proposal would change the rules governing public discussion of candidates and elections. If approved, the proposal would expand definitions and reporting mandates to regulate public communications that are not currently considered political advocacy.

Among its most significant changes, Proposal 2 would subject anyone who posts, publishes or promotes content that refers to a candidate within 100 days of an election to new reporting and financial requirements. It defines “electioneering communication” as television broadcasts, newspapers, magazines, internet content and “any other form of general public communication.”

Individuals and organizations would have to disclose the name, address, occupation and employer of each person who contributed more than $100 to pay for these communications. This disclosure could extend to donors, news subscribers, and others whose financial support funded the communications.

Under current law, only messages using “express words of advocacy,” such as “elect” and “vote against,” are subject to the current campaign finance law. Proposal 2 removes this standard and replaces it with a more expansive definition that applies “regardless of whether the communication expressly advocates.”

Failure to comply with Michigan campaign finance requirements can result in substantial civil fines and, in some cases, criminal penalties, including jail time.

“Proposal 2 would make sweeping changes to the state’s campaign finance law,” said Michael Van Beek, author of the brief and vice president for research at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. “Voters should understand that its expanded definition could apply campaign-finance reporting requirements to a much broader range of public communications than current law does. Courts may end up deciding how these changes will eventually play out.”

Proposal 2 would also require paid promotion of internet content to comply with existing disclaimer requirements and restrict campaign contributions by people affiliated with public utility companies and government contractors.

The Mackinac Center’s full policy brief, “Proposal 2 of 2026: Summary and Analysis” is available at mackinac.org/Prop2.