Candidates from the Libertarian Party, the Green Party, the Natural Law Party and U.S. Taxpayers Party would shake up the Michigan political and tax systems in unconventional ways

Campuses are working overtime to get students to vote in higher numbers than in past elections. That shouldn’t be hard – only one in seven voted in the last midterm at Michigan State and the University of Michigan.

Gretchen Whitmer’s campaign has a fundraising edge over Bill Schuette. And outside groups are spending millions to influence the race.

Voters Not Politicians, advocating for a citizens redistricting committee, made nearly $14 million. Protect My Vote, a committee that does not support redistricting or voting ballot measures, has brought in $1.47 million. Bridge brings you up to the minute on spending around all three Michigan ballot issues.

In the last campaign finance filing deadline before the Nov. 6 general election, Bridge looks at contributions for state Supreme Court, Attorney General and Secretary of State. In all three races, Republicans outraised their Democratic rivals.

The Republican candidate for Michigan governor has shifted from Trump acolyte and hardline enforcer of conservative values as attorney general to a healthcare and women’s advocate this fall.

Taunted by Republican opponent Bill Schuette for only passing three bills while in the legislature, Whitmer argues that her impact was far greater and that she simply did not care who got the credit. Bridge checks her history.

How will the Democratic gubernatorial candidate fund the $2B+ she promises for schools, childcare and lead pipe replacement? ‘Anticipated growth,’ ‘closing loopholes’ and new money, she says in an interview.

The Democratic gubernatorial candidate said she would push for increased regulation of charter schools in Detroit if elected in November.

Bridge Magazine waded through a litany of stale talking points to provide context and facts to accusations leveled by Democrat Gretchen Whitmer and Republican Bill Schuette at their final debate Wednesday.

Turning around Michigan schools is job number one for the next governor. Bridge asked education policy experts to predict what schools will be like in a Bill Schuette or Gretchen Whitmer administration.

There isn’t a lot of hype about the State Board elections, but two seats on the November ballot could shape how Michigan tries to reverse its educational slide. Bridge interviews the candidates.