Tuesday, Aug. 8 marks Primary Election Day in Michigan, with several cities and towns across Southeast Michigan holding elections. Though a smaller election year in the state, the significance of the day is not to be overlooked as local offices, proposals, and more are on the ballot.
Click here to see what’s on the ballot in your community, if a primary election is being held.
Locations and Races:
The elections are spread across the following communities in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties:
Macomb County: Eastpointe, Fraser, Grosse Pointe Shores, St. Clair Shores, and Warren.
Oakland County: Berkley, Clawson, Huntington Woods, Novi, Oak Park, Royal Oak, and Southfield.
Wayne County: Dearborn Heights, Grosse Ile Township, Grosse Pointe Park, Hamtramck, Inkster, Melvindale, Riverview, and Westland.
Citizens of Metro Detroit are keenly watching two local mayoral elections, specifically in Warren and Eastpointe.
Warren Mayor Race:
In Warren, current Mayor Jim Fouts is legally unable to run for re-election in 2023. Fouts is, however, pursuing legal means to get on a special ballot, with a lawsuit filed in federal court. The primary election ballot will feature six candidates vying for the position of Warren mayor, with Mayor Fouts excluded from the list. A robust contest is also unfolding for city council seats with 36 candidates in the running.
Eastpointe Mayor Race:
The situation in Eastpointe is charged, with incumbent Mayor Monique Owens facing three challengers. Mayor Owens has been the subject of legal contention recently. In 2022, she was sued by residents alleging that she silenced them during public comment periods. Further complicating her re-election bid, Owens was charged this year with a felony, accused of taking $10,000 from a Macomb County COVID grant through fraudulent means.
Search for races by county on the state’s website here.
Local elections play a vital role in shaping the policies and leadership that directly affect communities, particularly those in Black communities where representation can be crucial. Electing officials who understand the unique challenges and opportunities within these communities can lead to more targeted and effective policies. For Black communities, local elections can influence everything from school district decisions and law enforcement practices to housing policies and community development initiatives. The importance of voter turnout and engagement in local elections cannot be overstated, as it’s at this level that many decisions are made which can either foster growth and equality or exacerbate disparities. By participating in local elections, members of Black communities have the power to elect representatives who reflect their values and concerns, thereby taking an active role in shaping their own future. It’s a fundamental way to ensure that local government is responsive, accountable, and aligned with the needs and aspirations of all residents.
The importance of local governance and the ramifications of these elections extend far beyond the communities where they are held. They have the potential to influence policy, civic engagement, and public trust in the political process. As residents across Metro Detroit and throughout Michigan cast their ballots on Tuesday, the outcomes will reverberate through the region and set the stage for the upcoming general election. The spotlight remains on Warren and Eastpointe, where the mayoral races have become emblematic of broader political challenges and controversies.
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