The Michigan Association of County Clerks opposes a ballot measure that would authorize rank choice voting in the state of Michigan.
This week, the Michigan Association of County Clerks held a virtual meeting with clerks from across Michigan, later sharing statements opposing a ballot measure brought forward by RankMiVote that could appear at the ballot box in 2026. MACC president Linda Talsma says the association unanimously oppose the measure. Clerks collectively dedicate their lives and professional careers in the name of public service in the pursuit of delivering safe, secure, and efficient elections for residents.
The MACC cites concerns over the length of ballots in next year’s mid-term election cycle, the measures conflict with the Michigan constitution and existing state laws. Potential voter confusion, and concerns related to the complex task to deliver timely results and perform audits.
Maine, Hawaii and Alaska use rank choice voting in the elections. Maine was the first state to implement the initiative in 2020. Alaska residents voted to keep rank in 2024. A major point of contention in opposition to rank choice voting deals with the cost. A survey conducted by the national conference of state legislatures found local jurisdictions spend an average of 17,000 dollars to switch over to ranked choice voting systems. Factors impacting those costs included updating software and equipment, educating voters on the system, purchasing additional paper ballots, and additional time to train clerks and election staff.
Those interested in reading the MACC’s full statement can find more details below.
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Michigan Association of County Clerks Opposes Ranked Choice Voting Ballot Question
MARQUETTE – The Michigan Association of County Clerks (MACC) met virtually yesterday morning to consider the Ballot Question to authorize the use of Ranked Choice Voting in the State of Michigan. After consideration, the organization voted unanimously to oppose the ballot measure brought by RankMiVote that seeks to be on the statewide ballot in 2026.
“Michigan’s County Clerks have collectively dedicated their lives to public service and the pursuit of delivering safe, secure and efficient elections for our residents,” said MACC President Linda Talsma. “As an organization, we rarely take positions on ballot questions, but we felt compelled in this case to urge voters to oppose this measure.”
The resolution that was passed by MACC cites concerns over the length of the ballot, conflicts with provisions of existing state law and in the state Constitution, increased voter confusion, concerns relating the complexity and timing of audits and recounts, and the inevitable delay in providing results to the public, which would be substantial.
“Michigan voters are used to knowing who won an election in a timely manner, so it’s incredibly important that we’re able to report accurate, unofficial results on election night,” said Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons. “Determining a winner will take drastically longer under ranked-choice voting. Delayed results erode the public’s trust by fueling uncertainty and misinformation.”
Ranked Choice Voting has been implemented in several other locations throughout the country, and has had unintended consequences, including weeks-long delays in election results. Michigan already has some of the longest ballots in the country and this provision may lead to two page ballots and other issues that will affect voter engagement and create major issues for election administrators throughout Michigan.
“We support the rights of voters to amend the state constitution through the initiative process. And as County Clerks, it is our duty to implement all election requirements including this one, if enacted,” said Washtenaw County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum. “But we feel that this proposal, as written, will have unintended consequences for Michigan elections. We ask, instead, that the Legislature act to strengthen our existing election system, to ensure clarity, accessibility, and confidence for all voters.”
The Michigan Association of County Clerks is a bipartisan professional organization of county clerks who serve as the chief election official in their respective counties throughout the entirety of the State of Michigan.
