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Mail delivery delays up in southeast Michigan in weeks before election
A new report finds that the U.S. Postal Service’s Detroit District had the worst on-time delivery rate of any region in the nation in the last period available. That’s increased some fears about the delivery of absentee ballots.
Michigan Dems prep for doomsday scenario: What if Trump loses, won’t concede?
Democratic attorneys in Michigan are preparing for what would happen if election results are contested into December, and the GOP-controlled Legislature casts Electoral College votes for Trump. Both sides say it’s unlikely, but ...
Michigan early voting returns heaviest so far in Democratic counties
In a year of record turnout, absentee voting is strongest in counties where Hillary Clinton did well in 2016. It’s unclear if the trend will hold through Nov. 3, but it’s bad news so far for Trump, Republicans.
Fact Squad | GOP ad smears Scholten legal work, claiming she helped ‘evade law’
A new TV ad claims Hillary Scholten’s work as an immigrations attorney made west Michigan unsafe. The ad twists some facts to reach reckless conclusions.
Some Michigan Republicans propose local opt-out for COVID lockdown orders
House Republicans want to allow communities with low rates to opt out of mask mandates, business rules and the like. Few counties meet those thresholds now.
Benson defends Michigan ban on guns at polls, says state police will enforce
A lawsuit is expected this week from gun rights groups, but Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson the law is on her side. “This is an effort to protect our voters from intimidation,” she said.
Coronavirus sidelines veteran poll workers, adding to Michigan election stress
Many elections workers, who tend to be retirees, are sitting out Nov. 3, so clerks are turning to younger recruits for an Election Day that could be like few others. Among the newbies’ questions: What to do if people “walk in with AR-15s?”
Before you vote: These are facts, issues shaping Michigan in 2020 election
With the Nov. 3 election weeks away, take time to familiarize yourself with the Bridge Michigan’s 2020 Fact & Issue Guide to help inform your vote and separate rhetoric from facts.
Have questions about Michigan elections? About the ballot? Ask Bridge.
People have lots of questions on returning ballots, voting in person and disinformation on the internet. Bridge Michigan is here to address your concerns and tackle your inquiries on the 2020 elections. You can also help inform our election coverage.
Voter turnout may surge in Detroit, spelling trouble for Trump in Michigan
Experts say a decrease in votes among Detroit voters helped Donald Trump win Michigan in 2016. Four years later, some Detroiters who sat out 2016 say they’re eager to vote this time around.
'Lock her up' chants erupt as Trump attacks Whitmer at Michigan rally
Less than two weeks after authorities exposed a militia plot to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer, President Donald Trump renewed his attacks on Michigan’s governor in a Muskegon campaign rally that inspired his supporters to chant “lock her up.”
Michigan mail-in ballots must reach clerks by Nov. 3, appeals court rules
The three-judge panel, all Republican appointed, overturned a lower court decision that had allowed ballots to be counted if they were postmarked by Election Day even if they did not arrive at a clerk’s office until as much as two weeks later.
Biden touts ACA, makes murky claims on economy in metro Detroit stop
The Democratic nominee touted accomplishments on health care while critiquing Trump’s policies on the economy and COVID-19.
Jocelyn Benson bans open carry of guns at Michigan polls on Election Day
The guidance clarifies rules for the November general election, barring openly carrying guns and allowing concealed carry, except in certain locations. Gun rights advocates call the ban a partisan Democratic effort to discourage conservative voters and vow to sue.
Fact Squad | Ad ties John James’ environment record to Koch Brothers donations
A new ad is mostly accurate, pointing out that John James has taken $650K from the oil and gas industry and groups tied to the conservatives whose company polluted southwest Detroit with pet coke. But the ad doesn’t tell the whole story.
Michigan’s ‘constitutional sheriffs’ vow to keep voters safe at polls
The ‘constitutional sheriffs’ movement is suspicious of government overreach and believes sheriffs are the final legal authority in their counties. But Michigan members of the group say they will keep voters safe if antigovernment groups try to intimidate them on Election Day.
‘I’m going to have fun hunting,’ accused plotter said in Michigan Capitol
As officials debate a ban on guns at the Michigan Capitol, a video has emerged showing a man accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer blasting Democrats and Republicans alike at a protest.
Michigan lawmakers expand unemployment benefits, pass business COVID liability
In a marathon session, the GOP-led Legislature also passed bills demanding subpoena power over Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s appointees and approved a non-binding measure opposing defunding the police.
Michigan has no law against guns at polls, but Dana Nessel may clarify rules
Anyone can openly carry a gun, but guns are banned at some locations that are regularly used as polling places, such as churches and schools. The rules have caused confusion over the years.
FBI: Whitmer conspirators wanted to leave her in lake, kidnap Va. governor
Tuesday’s federal court hearing in Grand Rapids revealed new allegations in the case against six men charged with plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over her COVID-19 shutdown orders. Three of the men were denied bond.