Detroit Evening Report: Michigan voters head to the polls on Election Day
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Thousands of Detroiters have headed out to their polling places today for Michigan’s midterm elections. Several statewide positions and proposals are on the ballot.
Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is running against Republican challenger Tudor Dixon and candidates from four other parties.
Incumbent Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is running to win a second term against Republican Kristina Karamo. During the campaign, Benson has touted election security and shorter wait times at Secretary of State offices. Karamo filed a lawsuit at the end of October to have Detroit change its absentee ballot process — requiring residents to pick ballots up in person. But Wayne County Judge Timothy Kenny ruled yesterday that there was no evidence of voter fraud and dismissed the lawsuit.
In the closest of the top three statewide races, incumbent Attorney General Dana Nessel faces off against Republican challenger Matt DePerno.
There are three statewide proposals on today’s ballot. Proposal 1 would change term limits for Michigan legislators and would require certain financial disclosures. Proposal 2 would put new voting policies — including an early voting period — in the state constitution, if passed. And Proposal 3 would enshrine abortion rights in Michigan’s constitution if approved.
Besides voting for state Senators and state representatives, Detroiters will also select a county executive. Incumbent Warren Evans is running against Republican Mark Price.
Monitors from the U.S. Department of Justice are watching polls in five cities across Michigan today, including Detroit. The Detroit Free Press reports the monitors are also present in Southfield, Pontiac, Flint and Grand Rapids. The federal officials are working with state workers to prevent any voting disruptions in Michigan.
A number of Arabic-language ballots in Dearborn have errors in them. The Detroit Free Press reports the problem is with the section of the ballots listing Michigan Supreme Court candidates. Dearborn’s city clerk says 34 faulty ballots have been issued and the city has notified all residents who have received or requested the Arabic-language ballots.
The SMART suburban bus system is offering free rides to all passengers today to encourage residents to get out and vote.
Polls are open until 8 p.m. local time. If you’re in line at 8, you will be allowed to cast your ballot.
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