Created Equal: Previewing Election Day in Michigan

As of Nov. 4, nearly two million absentee ballots have been returned and just over 1.2 million ballots have been cast during early voting in Michigan.

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Voters who have not yet cast their ballots have one day remaining to do so. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joined Created Equal ahead of Election Day to explain how she prepared for the new voting processes in Michigan. Plus, reporters Rick Pluta and Russ McNamara joined the show to discuss how the statewide and presidential races are playing out in Michigan.

Benson discussed how early voting in Michigan has contributed to an enthusiastic mood among voters and the possibility for final results to be delivered more quickly, with 82% of Michigan voters already having voted and clerks already processing ballots. She also discussed that, although security measures were in place to prevent political violence, the polls have been largely peaceful.

Pluta explained that although we have record levels of voter turnout nationwide, the results of many races on both the national and state level are completely unpredictable and many voters are feeling a sense of existential dread about the state of the country. He also explained that many Republican candidates have embraced a strategy of “lose by less”, targeting democratic strongholds throughout the country to eke out election wins. 

McNamara discussed local and state elections in Michigan and how Donald Trump has changed the political climate in the state. He gave his predictions for the Congressional elections in Michigan’s 7th and 10th districts and discussed how the war in Gaza might affect how Michigan votes in the presidential race. 

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

Guests: 

• Jocelyn Benson is Michigan’s Secretary of State.
• Rick Pluta is a senior capitol correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network.
• Russ McNamara is a reporter and host of All Things Considered for 101.9 WDET.

Listen to Created Equal with host Stephen Henderson weekdays from 9-10 a.m. ET on 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand.