Michigan voters are hitting the polls beginning at 7am Tuesday to elect a new governor, U.S. Senator and other candidates for statewide offices.
Polls are open from 7am to 8pm on Tuesday, Nov. 3. As long as you’re in line before polls close at 8pm, you can still cast your ballot.
Communities across Michigan and in Detroit will vote for school board members and whether to approve or reject new taxes to pay for schools and museums. There are also ballot proposals that could open up changes to the state’s Constitution (Prop 1) and change the way corporations are able to donate to politicians (Prop 2).
Negative TV ads against candidates have focused on President Donald Trump’s disapproval and toxic culture war issues, but voters who have spoke to Michigan Chronicle point to high gas prices and concerns over healthcare costs as top issues.
Running for governor is Democratic nominee Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican U.S. Rep. John James. Running for Michigan’s opening U.S. Senate seat is Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers.
Michigan Democrats believe they have momentum, and will be closely watching several local Democratic candidates running against incumbents vying to flip state House districts.
As of Oct. 27, more than 2.1 million Michigan voters requested an absentee ballot, including 2,016,031 on the permanent mail ballot list, the Michigan Department of State said.
“If you were not one of the over 2 million voters who already cast a ballot, be sure to check your polling location at mi.gov/vote and come out to vote on Election Day,” said Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie, who has taken on Benson’s role as she campaigns for governor.
In Detroit, the city broke the early voting record, Detroit Mary Sheffield said at a rally for El-Sayed Monday night. There were 25,515 early voters total in Detroit, election officials told Michigan Chronicle.
“I am reminded tonight that the power of the people can truly change the course of history,” Sheffield said Monday. “As you all know, all eyes are on Michigan, and we know the road to victory runs right through the great city of Detroit. I am proud to say that we have already broken our early voting record in Detroit.”