Michigan voters face historic choices tomorrow

Michigan voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, to cast ballots in the general election. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters already in line at 8 p.m. will still be able to cast their ballots. The state allows same-day registration, so unregistered voters can still participate by visiting their local clerk’s office.

Registered voters must present a photo ID if they possess one. Those without a photo ID can sign an affidavit to receive a ballot. Absentee ballots must be received by the local clerk’s office by 8 p.m. to be counted. Mail delivery is no longer an option, and voters should use official dropboxes.

The governor’s race pits Democratic candidate Jocelyn Benson against Republican John James. Benson is the current Secretary of State, and her running mate is State Senator Winnie Brinks. James, a U.S. House Representative from the 10th District, is running with State Representative Jay DeBoyer. Incumbent Governor Gretchen Whitmer has reached her term limit and cannot run again.

The U.S. Senate race features Abdul El-Sayed from the Democratic Party and Mike Rogers from the Republican Party. The seat is open because Senator Gary Peters is retiring. Rogers served in the U.S. House for 14 years. El-Sayed previously led the Wayne County and Detroit health departments. He won the Democratic nomination as the first Muslim candidate to secure a major party nomination for the U.S. Senate.

Voters will also decide on two proposals. Proposal 1 asks whether to hold a constitutional convention to draft a new state constitution. Proposal 2 asks whether to prohibit regulated utility companies and government contractors from making political contributions. The state Attorney General race includes Eli Savit for the Democrats and Doug Lloyd for the Republicans.

Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties will vote on renewing the Detroit Zoo millage. This 0.1 mill tax would generate about $8.8 million in the first year for maintenance at the 125-acre park. Oakland and Wayne counties will vote on a 0.2 mill tax for the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Detroit Historical Society. This tax would cost about $30 per year on a home worth $300,000.

Voters can check their registration status at Michigan.gov/Vote. The election determines the leadership for state and federal offices. Districts will also select new state senators and representatives in Congress. The outcome of the Senate race could shift the partisan balance in the U.S. Senate.

If James wins, he would be the first African American governor in Michigan history. If Benson wins, she would be the second consecutive woman governor. If Rogers wins, he would be the first Republican U.S. Senator from Michigan since 1994. If El-Sayed wins, he would become the first Muslim U.S. Senator in American history.