Michigan Voters Back Measure to Restrict Utility Campaign Donations

Michigan voters approved Proposal 2 on Tuesday night.

The initiative bans regulated electric and gas utilities from making campaign contributions.

It also targets contractors who hold government contracts exceeding $250,000 per year.

People and organizations with substantial ties to these entities are also covered.

These groups can no longer donate directly or indirectly to politicians or party committees.

The measure expands disclosure rules for political advertising.

Donor information must now be shared for internet communications that identify candidates.

This requirement applies even if the ad does not explicitly urge a vote for or against a candidate.

As of 9:55 p.m. on Tuesday, the proposal had received 301,825 votes in favor.

It faced 67,210 votes opposed.

The campaign was led by the Michiganders for Money Out of Politics committee.

The group formed in July 2025 and submitted a petition in September 2025 to amend the state campaign finance act. They delivered more than 560,000 signatures to the Bureau of Elections in May 2026. The Board of State Canvassers certified the petition in July 2026. An opposing group, Protect MI Free Speech, challenged the signatures. They argued the proposal violated First Amendment rights. The Michigan Supreme Court allowed the measure to proceed to the ballot in September 2026. The state House supported the measure with bipartisan backing. The Senate did not advance it, leaving the decision to voters. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks said the legislature wanted to leave the issue to Michiganders. Christy McGillivray, co-chair of the executive board for Michiganders for Money Out of Politics, said, "More than half a million people across the state signed our petition to put Proposal 2 on the ballot, and now the moment for Michiganders to take our government back from powerful corporate interests is here." She added, "It's past time we end the corrupt pay-to-play system that dominates our politics and make sure it's our voices that are heard, not the voices of big corporations bankrolling our politicians." DTE Energy and Consumers Energy stated they comply with state and federal laws. They said they participate in politics because legislative policies affect their operations. Katie Carey, a spokesperson for Consumers Energy, said the proposal would shift influence to wealthy national donors and special interests. She noted that Michiganders for Money Out of Politics had raised $7.4 million to fund its effort. John Sellek, a spokesperson for Protect MI Free Speech, told reporters on Oct. 19 that voters should oppose the measure. He said it used cost of living frustration as cover to attack free speech rights. He argued that out-of-state billionaires could still spend freely to influence policy. DTE Energy issued a statement on Wednesday morning after the results were posted. The company said it supports the right of team members to participate lawfully in the political process. It said it would continue to assess the proposal and determine the appropriate path forward.