LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – With many eyes fixed upon the results of Michigan’s gubernatorial election, there are several other important races and proposals that will be decided today.  

History has shown since the state’s founding, Michigan has re-elected its sitting governors in general elections 78% of the time.  Governor Gretchen Whitmer defeated previous gubernatorial Republican challenger Bill Schuette, she won by a margin of 10 percent in 2018. 

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Polls since August have reflected a tighter race between Gretchen Whitmer and Tudor Dixon, with a most recent Trafalgar poll reflecting a slight advantage to Dixon.  The last time that a Republican candidate unseated a Democrat incumbent was in 1990 in the race between John Engler and James Blanchard.  

In addition to the gubernatorial race, key races include Attorney General between incumbent Dana Nessel, a Democrat, who faces Republican candidate Matthew DePerno. And the race for Michigan Secretary of State between Democrat Jocelyn Benson facing Republican Kristina Karamo.  

The Detroit Free press has summarized the measures below: 

  • Proposal 1 (voters will see it as Proposal 22-1 on their ballot) would change term limits for Michigan lawmakers and require financial disclosures for lawmakers and other elected officials.
  • Proposal 2 (voters will see it as Proposal 22-2 on their ballot) would change or codify election standards in Michigan, including by putting Michigan’s current voter ID law into the constitution and creating nine days of “early voting.”
  • Proposal 3 (voters will see it as Proposal 22-3 on their ballot) would enshrine the “right to reproductive freedom” in Michigan, allowing Michiganders to seek abortion access if they choose to.

Perhaps the most contentious, is Proposal 3 which comes as a response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and while many supporters contend it would #RestoreRoe, other experts say it would give Michigan the most extreme abortion laws in the country, and would be enshrined in the state’s constitution.  

Michigan News Source will also continue to provide updates on the congressional races, as well as updates regarding the proposals, and Supreme Court.  See the Election Day Guide for questions regarding the many ballot options.