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Michigan 2020 Election Tracker | James narrows race against Gary Peters, new Free Press poll shows
This continuously updated post includes details of Michigan's elections, campaigns, politics and voting news.
Michigan officials have dwindling faith in an accurate census count
Amid a pandemic and several major changes, Michigan officials say the Census 2020 count can’t be right.
Voting activists get twin victories in Michigan with transport, ballot cases
In separate rulings, judges rule that ballots postmarked by Nov. 2 will count in the election and block a ban on providing transportation to the polls.
Militias, far-right groups recast selves as mainstream at Lansing gun rally
An annual Second Amendment rally in the capital saw traditional gun rights groups joined by a variety of militia and far-right organizations who say they are needed to protect against government overreach and the unrest they equate with protests over police violence.
Fact Squad: Meijer goes low, misleads with ad tying Scholten to ‘extremists’
In the 3rd Congressional District, a Peter Meijer ad links Hillary Scholten to riot sympathizers. A mix of thin facts and insinuation, it’s inflammatory and misleading.
Michigan news coalition urges Whitmer to release more on COVID-19 outbreaks
A group of more than 30 news outlets and transparency groups wrote to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday, asking her to require schools to report COVID-19 outbreaks faster. The information comes as cases soar among some colleges and schools.
Fact Squad: Gary Peters ad highlights attendance, hits back at John James
Gary Peters points to near-perfect attendance on votes and record of passing bills to rebut arguments from John James that he skips work. The claims are true but fail to mention most senators have sterling attendance records.
Michigan Senate votes to let clerks open absentee ballot envelopes day early
Michigan law now allows clerks to process absentee ballots only on Election Day. Municipal clerks say that would be a “recipe for disaster” this year given an expected surge and would delay results reporting in a closely watched presidential election.
Schools, local governments spared from cuts under Michigan budget deal
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration and Republican legislative leaders said Monday they've agreed to a framework for the 2021 budget that will protect funding for K-12 schools and local governments despite revenue declines amid COVID-19.
Fact Squad: Trump slams Biden son for buying Michigan auto firm with Chinese
One day after Joe Biden touted his Made in America plan, President Trump notes that the Democrat’s son teamed with a Chinese defense contractor to buy a Michigan firm that created jobs overseas.
Guns still allowed inside Michigan Capitol, after ban shot down again
More than four months after armed protesters brought weapons inside during a tense legislative debate, the Michigan Capitol Commissioners rejected proposals that would have banned guns from the building or prohibited open carry. But they say the debate is not over.
Trump touts jobs in Michigan, falsely claims he saved auto industry
President Trump comes to Michigan to hype the economy before coronavirus. He boasted that he ‘saved’ the auto industry, a claim that is dubious at best since Michigan has lost auto manufacturing jobs under his watch.
Can Trump recapture magic with Michigan workers? Or has COVID erased gains?
The president returns to mid-Michigan Thursday where, until the coronavirus pandemic struck, manufacturing jobs and wages saw solid gains. Trump and Democratic rival Joe Biden are each determined to earn working-class votes.
Joe Biden touts ‘Buy American’ jobs plan, rips Donald Trump in Michigan
The Democratic presidential nominee outlined his plan to boost manufacturing as he wooed blue-collar workers in Macomb County. He also blasted Donald Trump’s handling of COVID-19, accusing the president of a “life-and-death betrayal of the American people.”
Michigan Supreme Court questions Whitmer’s ‘profound’ power during pandemic
Justices grilled Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s attorney for more than an hour and a half Wednesday, questioning the limits of her authority to take emergency actions without legislative approval during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Michigan gyms, indoor pools can reopen Sept. 9, Gov. Whitmer orders
One day after saying she wasn’t quite ready, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer reopens one of the last remaining parts of Michigan’s economy, allowing fitness centers and ice rinks to reopen under some restrictions.
Extra $300 Michigan unemployment payouts should reach jobless after Labor Day
Payments will be retroactive to Aug. 1. However, state officials warn they’ll only last up to five weeks.
Michigan gyms, theaters, bowling alleys may finally be able to reopen soon
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she’s making a decision “very soon” on whether to reopen the businesses shuttered since March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Many say they’re close to closing permanently.
Jocelyn Benson to aid Detroit clerk after problems plagued primary election
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s office will help Detroit train workers and expand satellite clerk’s offices to reduce election issues. Nearly three-quarters of the city’s absentee precincts were ineligible for recounts.
MI government removes bureaucratic mumbo jumbo from benefit renewal form
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announces simplified renewal forms for millions of residents who may need food or cash assistance or other state benefits.