Detroit

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Detroit with Annalise Frank and Joe Guillen.

Axios Detroit

Standard

Detroit Alerts

Alert

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Detroit.

Axios Detroit Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Detroit Partners

Detroit Members

Membership

Michigan election guide 2026: What to know before you vote 

Find out how to vote, who's running and what's on Metro Detroiters' November ballot.

Politics

The final countdown to Election Day is on, and voting is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already underway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/09/22/absentee-voting-november-election" data-vars-content-id="f47d885e-ed8c-4df7-ade5-a7b0584c2907" data-vars-headline="Michigan election guide 2026: What to know before you vote " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/09/22/absentee-voting-november-election" target="_self">already underway</a> across Metro Detroit.Why it matters: There&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plenty at stake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/25/trump-doj-midterms-interference" data-vars-content-id="f47d885e-ed8c-4df7-ade5-a7b0584c2907" data-vars-headline="Michigan election guide 2026: What to know before you vote " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/25/trump-doj-midterms-interference" target="_self">plenty at stake</a> in this year&#x27;s midterms, and voters are approaching the election with a mix of concern and optimism.

Michigan voters share midterm nerves

From excitement to anxiety, readers share how they're feeling ahead of Election Day.

Last week, Axios Detroit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asked readers to weigh in" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/22/michigan-voter-guides-2026-ballot" data-vars-content-id="2721fca1-7aae-4a65-b95f-908b8a870832" data-vars-headline="Michigan voters share midterm nerves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/22/michigan-voter-guides-2026-ballot" target="_self">asked readers to weigh in</a> on how they&#x27;re feeling about Michigan&#x27;s upcoming midterms, which have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="driving a lot of anxiety" data-vars-click-url="https://news.gallup.com/poll/712955/election-concerns-run-high-ahead-2026-midterms.aspx" data-vars-content-id="2721fca1-7aae-4a65-b95f-908b8a870832" data-vars-headline="Michigan voters share midterm nerves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/712955/election-concerns-run-high-ahead-2026-midterms.aspx" target="_blank">driving a lot of anxiety</a>. Thanks to all who responded!<ul><li>Nearly three-quarters of the 24 respondents said they&#x27;re voting absentee, versus about 17% on Election Day and 13% early in person. </li><li>Here&#x27;s a selection of what you wrote, edited for brevity and clarity: </li></ul>

High flight prices from Detroit are here to stay

DTW fares average $527, and airlines are likely to keep prices rising.

Travel

That wince you just made while researching travel options from DTW? Get used to it.Why it matters: Soaring jet fuel prices are accelerating changes across the airline industry, seen in higher fares, premium-heavy cabins and fewer flights.

Things to do on Halloween weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 30-Nov. 1

Youmacon, Día de Muertos traditions and plenty of sports

Things to Do

Eight Halloween weekend ideas around Metro Detroit:👾 Dive into anime and cosplay at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Youmacon" data-vars-click-url="https://youmacon.com/event-info/" data-vars-content-id="666299a7-3d7c-46fa-87e1-ba216e63a1b5" data-vars-headline="Things to do on Halloween weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 30-Nov. 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://youmacon.com/event-info/" target="_blank">Youmacon</a>, Detroit&#x27;s annual celebration of Japanese pop culture, gaming and more at Huntington Place.

How to research your Michigan ballot

These free voter guides can help you research candidates before Nov. 3.

News

My absentee ballot just arrived in the mail. All three pages of it.Zoom in: I&#x27;ve spent plenty of time covering the races for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/05/michigan-governor-voter-guide-2026" data-vars-content-id="fa36487d-7f19-46c8-9db7-8c9c90d34fbd" data-vars-headline="How to research your Michigan ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/05/michigan-governor-voter-guide-2026" target="_self">governor</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/07/senate-race-1-minute-voter-guide-2026" data-vars-content-id="fa36487d-7f19-46c8-9db7-8c9c90d34fbd" data-vars-headline="How to research your Michigan ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/07/senate-race-1-minute-voter-guide-2026" target="_self">U.S. Senate</a>. But farther down my ballot, I found dozens of candidates for judgeships, school boards and university trustees I knew little or nothing about.

Meet Michigan's AG and secretary of state candidates

Four candidates are competing to oversee Michigan's elections and legal battles.

Michigan voters will choose a new attorney general and secretary of state Nov. 3, filling two powerful offices that help shape everything from election rules to consumer protections.⚖️ Attorney general: The state&#x27;s top legal officer represents Michigan in court, enforces consumer protection laws and can challenge federal policies.

1-minute voter guide: Michigan's Senate race

Compare Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers before Election Day.

Michigan&#x27;s nationally watched U.S. Senate race pits rising progressive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abdul El-Sayed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" target="_self">Abdul El-Sayed</a> against Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Rogers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/mike-rogers-aipac-michigan-senate" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/mike-rogers-aipac-michigan-senate" target="_self">Mike Rogers</a>, a former congressman making his second straight Senate run.Why it matters: Michigan is one of a handful of battlegrounds that could determine control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="53-47 majority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/2026-midterms-congress-house-senate-predictions" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/2026-midterms-congress-house-senate-predictions" target="_self">53-47 majority</a>.

1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor

Get up to speed on Jocelyn Benson and John James before Election Day.

Michigan voters will elect their first new governor in eight years, choosing between Democrat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jocelyn Benson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/01/22/secretary-of-state-jocelyn-benson-michigan-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/01/22/secretary-of-state-jocelyn-benson-michigan-governor-race" target="_self">Jocelyn Benson</a> and Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="John James" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/21/john-james-governor-gop-debate-primary-campaign" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/21/john-james-governor-gop-debate-primary-campaign" target="_self">John James</a>.Why it matters: The winner will inherit a state confronting economic headwinds, from an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uncertain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-china-vehicles-evs-cars" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/trump-china-vehicles-evs-cars" target="_self">uncertain</a> auto industry and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shrinking workforce" data-vars-click-url="https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-is-old-and-getting-older-experts-warn-of-looming-consequences/" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-is-old-and-getting-older-experts-warn-of-looming-consequences/" target="_blank">shrinking workforce</a> to an ongoing trade war <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with Canada" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/08/trump-tariffs-canada-import-ban-alcohol-dairy-motorcycles" data-vars-content-id="b8d67938-c642-4a68-8964-9953a8f17fa7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/08/trump-tariffs-canada-import-ban-alcohol-dairy-motorcycles" target="_self">with Canada</a>.

El-Sayed bests Stevens in Senate primary

The race remained too close to call overnight, and was called late Wednesday morning.

Michigan Democrats chose the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progressive path" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/14/stevens-el-sayed-democratic-senate-primary" data-vars-content-id="761bdbb9-8e4f-4eb5-b29a-01883c20284a" data-vars-headline="El-Sayed bests Stevens in Senate primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/14/stevens-el-sayed-democratic-senate-primary" target="_self">progressive path</a> in Tuesday&#x27;s election, nominating Abdul El-Sayed after months of relentless campaigning and one of the country&#x27;s most closely watched Democratic primaries.Why it matters: Democrats nationwide treated Michigan as a proving ground for the party&#x27;s progressive candidates. The results will influence how candidates, donors and strategists think about this fall&#x27;s battleground races — and the fight to lead the party into 2028.

Your Michigan primary day guide

Poll times, ID rules, registration and absentee ballot deadlines.

Months of campaigning, TV ads and social media posts have all led to this: Michigan&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" data-vars-content-id="393c7e3c-d701-4cc1-8187-b65f8e87031f" data-vars-headline="Your Michigan primary day guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" target="_self">primary election</a> is Tuesday.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic U.S. Senate primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/14/stevens-el-sayed-democratic-senate-primary" data-vars-content-id="393c7e3c-d701-4cc1-8187-b65f8e87031f" data-vars-headline="Your Michigan primary day guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/14/stevens-el-sayed-democratic-senate-primary" target="_self">Democratic U.S. Senate primary</a> between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed is one of the nation&#x27;s most closely watched races.

What Michigan primary voters need to know

Find early voting, absentee ballot and registration information before you vote.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" data-vars-content-id="8687e737-ed01-4090-b338-7f91a27a701b" data-vars-headline="What Michigan primary voters need to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" target="_self">primary season</a> and voters only have a few weeks left before the election.Why it matters: The Aug. 4 primary will determine which Democratic and Republican candidates advance to November&#x27;s general election.

Stevens and El-Sayed battle for Senate in Michigan

Stevens has consolidated support from the Democratic establishment, while El-Sayed has rallied a progressive grassroots coalition.

Michigan Democrats are about to choose between two <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="competing visions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/haley-stevens-michigan-senate-mcmorrow-el-sayed" data-vars-content-id="e3940ed5-371b-4bd5-8311-9a8f4278a282" data-vars-headline="Stevens and El-Sayed battle for Senate in Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/haley-stevens-michigan-senate-mcmorrow-el-sayed" target="_self">competing visions</a> for the Democratic Party.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aug. 4 primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/08/doj-monitor-polls-michigan-primary" data-vars-content-id="e3940ed5-371b-4bd5-8311-9a8f4278a282" data-vars-headline="Stevens and El-Sayed battle for Senate in Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/08/doj-monitor-polls-michigan-primary" target="_self">Aug. 4 primary</a> is only the first hurdle. Michigan has one of the country&#x27;s most consequential Senate races, with control of the chamber at stake.

DOJ to monitor Detroit polls during Michigan primary

Federal election monitors are returning and prompting state criticism.

The U.S. Department of Justice is again sending election monitors to Detroit to assess compliance with federal voting rights laws, this time for Michigan&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aug. 4 primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/07/primary-debate-michigan-governor-senate-2026-candidates" data-vars-content-id="18c46bac-63d5-4750-b108-941a316ed6c5" data-vars-headline="DOJ to monitor Detroit polls during Michigan primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/07/07/primary-debate-michigan-governor-senate-2026-candidates" target="_self">Aug. 4 primary</a>.Why it matters: Most voters are unlikely to notice any difference at the polls. But the Justice Department&#x27;s decision to monitor the primary has become a flash point in Michigan&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broader debate over election administration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/04/20/justice-department-asks-wayne-county-to-turn-over-ballots-from-presidential-election/" data-vars-content-id="18c46bac-63d5-4750-b108-941a316ed6c5" data-vars-headline="DOJ to monitor Detroit polls during Michigan primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/04/20/justice-department-asks-wayne-county-to-turn-over-ballots-from-presidential-election/" target="_blank">broader debate over election administration</a>.

Michigan primary debate week begins

Statewide debates for governor and U.S. Senate begin Tuesday ahead of the Aug. 4 primary.

&quot;Debate week&quot; starts Tuesday, with candidates for governor and U.S. Senate set to square off on statewide TV ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aug. 4 primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" data-vars-content-id="3400135f-5c2c-41d0-8e03-58ed402d83a1" data-vars-headline="Michigan primary debate week begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/24/michigan-primary-election-absentee-ballot-voting" target="_self">Aug. 4 primary</a>.Why it matters: There are plenty of local current events to tackle — from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="widespread power outages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/07/06/thousands-still-without-power-michigan-more-storms-possible-monday/90818125007/" data-vars-content-id="3400135f-5c2c-41d0-8e03-58ed402d83a1" data-vars-headline="Michigan primary debate week begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/07/06/thousands-still-without-power-michigan-more-storms-possible-monday/90818125007/" target="_blank">widespread power outages</a> frustrating households across Metro Detroit to the ongoing saga of the Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="delayed opening" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/26/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-windsor-plan-opening" data-vars-content-id="3400135f-5c2c-41d0-8e03-58ed402d83a1" data-vars-headline="Michigan primary debate week begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/26/gordie-howe-bridge-pathway-windsor-plan-opening" target="_self">delayed opening</a>.

Election 🗳️

How to research your Michigan ballot

Meet Michigan's AG and secretary of state candidates

1-minute voter guide: Michigan's Senate race

1-minute voter guide: Michigan governor

El-Sayed bests Stevens in Senate primary