Detroit Elections

Detour is producing stories for the 2020 presidential election that help readers vote effectively, safely and confidently, involving you in the process to make sure we’re serving your information needs and delivering you community-driven journalism, resources and context that breaks out of the daily news cycle. We’ll break down what’s on your 2020 elections ballot, explain the ins-and-outs of voting from home, track key news from local races and monitor voting issues in the Detroit area — from absentee ballot delivery to polling place changes. Our coverage will continue to be guided by you. We’ll answer your questions about voting, candidates and ballot proposals, and we will focus on the issues you’ve said matter most to you. Read more about our election coverage plan here.

Track results with us here, and follow our live updates for essential news about the election and what happens after the polls close for the city and state.

A procrastinator’s guide to the Aug. 3 primary in Detroit

Here's your last-minute cheat sheet to prep you for voting in the Aug. 3, 2021 Detroit primary and what to know about the races on the ballot.

illustration of people with city of detroit skyline

How to stay engaged in Detroit politics — and keep officials accountable

Whether tuning in to meetings, checking representatives’ social media or writing letters, here’s a guide to staying engaged in Detroit politics.

What Eastpointe’s historic use of ranked-choice voting means for Black voters’ rights

Ranked-choice voting involves ranking candidates from most to least preferred and gives voters input even if their first-choice candidate is not victorious. Its use in Eastpointe marked the first time that the Department of Justice implemented the system as a remedy for a Voting Rights Act violation.

We asked experts about Michigan’s top Election Day problems. Here’s what they said.

Voting issues reported to an election hotline in Michigan included confusion over voter ID requirements and absentee voting.

Chandra Baker won a seat on Michigan’s 3rd Circuit Court. But first, she lost it.

Chandra Baker described her experience running for judge of Michigan’s 3rd Judicial Circuit Court in Detroit bluntly. “Many people did not think I could win,” she said.

Amid Michigan’s record-breaking turnout, less than .5% of absentee ballots were rejected for easily avoided errors

Amid Michigan’s record-breaking November turnout, there was a smaller share of rejected absentee ballots than in the primary.

detroit vote count errors unbalanced counting boards

Putting Detroit’s vote count errors in context

Yes, 70% of Detroit’s absentee voter counting boards were out of balance -- but what does that really mean?

Norm Shinkle, Republican member of the Michigan Board of Canvassers, questions former state Elections Director Christopher Thomas before the Board completes certification of Michigan election results.

Michigan election results certified by Board of State Canvassers

With their certification of Michigan's election results, the Board of State Canvassers continues a decades-long bipartisan tradition.

Wayne County canvassers certify election results, reversing earlier deadlock

The Wayne County Board of Canvassers certified the election results and called for an audit of out-of-balance precincts after an earlier deadlock.

Democrats canvass to engage voters and increase turnout in Detroit ahead of the 2020 presidential election.

Biden won Detroit — but Dems have more work to do to boost voter turnout

Political experts and grassroots organizers we spoke to noted demographic changes in the region and highlighted the importance of the minority vote from communities surrounding Detroit. But they also suggested the Biden campaign failed to excite Detroit voters and connect with them about pressing issues in their daily lives. Most agreed: if Michigan Democrats want to sustain their wins in the coming years, they need to pay closer attention to the state’s largest voting ground -- starting now.

Everything to know about Michigan canvassing and how election results are certified

Michigan is now in the canvassing stage of the post-election process. The unofficial count is in, and county canvassing boards throughout the state are working to verify it.

How Metro Detroit voters shifted in the 2020 election

A closer look at Metro Detroit presidential election results, from a resounding Biden victory in Oakland County to turnout gains across the board.

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