Do some research
tips for making informed decisions
You can look at your ballot in advance!
Give yourself time to look up unfamiliar terms and get to know the candidates.
Preview a Michigan ballot
Your sample ballot will be available online by late Sept.
Preview an out-of-state ballot
Navigate to your state’s official election site to find your sample ballot (usually available by October).
& proposals
Use trustworthy, non-partisan sources and cross-check information to help you spot any biases, gaps, or patterns.
Here are some non-partisan sites to get you started:
Hear directly from the candidates on your ballot
Enter your address to compare candidates’ answers to key questions and learn where they stand on the issues.
Read reporting from a nonprofit civic newsroom
Dig into Michigan-specific election coverage and reporting on the issues shaping statewide races.
Read analysis by non-partisan researchers
Explore state-specific voter guides with detailed candidate comparisons based on public records, statements, and reporting.
Explore campaign finance records
Gain insight into candidates by searching this database of campaign contributors.
Explore plain-language descriptions in each of the three sections of the Michigan ballot.
The Partisan Section includes races for federal, state, and local offices in both the Executive and Legislative branches.
All candidates are listed with their party affiliation.
President & Vice President of the United States
The President and Vice President are elected every 4 years—check back in 2028!
US Senators and Representatives work together to create national laws, propose and pass budgets, and conduct Executive Branch oversight. These federal legislative branch officials represent Michigan in Washington, DC.
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United States Senator
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Senators represent the entire state of Michigan in DC. Every state has two senators; they serve staggered, 6-year terms.
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Representative in Congress
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Congressional representatives represent their Michigan districts in DC. Michigan has 13 representatives; they each serve 2-year terms.
These state executive branch officials implement and enforce Michigan laws — like the President, Vice President, and Cabinet, but for the state. They each serve four-year terms.
Governor and
Lieutenant Governor
Michigan’s Governor can issue executive orders and oversees many state agencies. They can also sign bills into law or veto them.
Think of the Lieutenant Governor as the “Vice Governor” — they would take over if the Governor were unable to carry out their duties.
Secretary of State
Our Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing elections in Michigan. They also issue vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses.
Attorney General
The Attorney General is the top lawyer for the people of Michigan. They can file lawsuits to protect the rights of Michiganders.
These state legislative branch officials represent us in Lansing — Michigan’s capital! Like in DC, there is a Senate and a House of Representatives.
State legislators in both chambers propose, debate, and vote on bills. Issues range from taxes and spending to education and healthcare, and more.
State Senator
State Senators represent their district in Lansing for 4-year terms. There are 38 state senate districts total.
Representative in
State Legislature
State Representatives represent their districts in Lansing for 2-year terms. There are 110 state house districts total.
These State Board members make decisions about how educational services are delivered across Michigan. The entire state gets to vote for the members of these governing boards; they serve staggered, 8-year terms.
Member of the
State Board of Education
Board members supervise all K-12 public education in the State of Michigan.
Regent of the
University of Michigan
U-M’s Board of Regents are 8 elected officials who govern U-M’s three campuses.
They are responsible for the budget, policy decisions, and faculty appointments — including the university president.
Trustee of
Michigan State University
MSU’s Board of Trustees are 8 elected officials who are responsible for the budget, policy decisions, and faculty appointments — including the university president.
Governor of
Wayne State University
Wayne State’s Board of Governors are 8 elected officials who are responsible for the budget, policy decisions, and faculty appointments — including the university president.
These local executives carry out and enforce local laws.
They implement policy and manage services at either the county or the city/town level.
County Commissioner
Our County Commissioner is responsible for all decisions on spending and services provided by Washtenaw County.
Mayor
Ann Arbor’s Mayor serves as a member of the City Council and has the power to veto most council decisions. They serve 4-year terms.
These local legislators, working alongside the executive branch, make laws and set policies that guide how Ann Arbor operates.
Council Member
Each of Ann Arbor’s 5 wards are represented by 2 City Council members. Together with the Mayor, they develop and vote on policies that affect Ann Arbor. They serve 2-year terms.
The Non-Partisan Section includes races for state judges and local officials.
Candidates in this section do not have their party affiliations listed (although state Supreme Court candidates are nominated by political parties).
In Michigan, we vote for judges
on multiple levels of the state court system.
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Justice of Supreme Court
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Michigan’s Supreme Court decides cases that affect the entire state.
As the state’s “court of last resort,” justices on the Michigan Supreme Court have the final say on state law. There are 7 justices, each elected to 8-year terms.
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Judge of Court of Appeals
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At the Court of Appeals, a 3-judge panel can review a trial court decision if either party is dissatisfied with the result.
Michigan has 4 appellate court districts. Each has 6 judges who are elected to 6-year terms. (Ann Arbor is in the 3rd District.)
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Trial Court Judges
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Cases usually start in one of Michigan’s Trial Courts (Circuit, Probate, and District). Here, a jury and/or judge hear evidence and make findings of fact when they decide cases.
Michigan has 57 Circuit Courts presided over by a total of 221 judges. (Ann Arbor is in the 22nd Circuit.)
The Proposal Section includes state and local ballot proposals that allow you to vote directly on issues.
A ballot proposal might seek voters’ approval to:
- amend the state constitution or local charter
- establish a new law, or repeal a newly enacted law
- raise funds through a millage (a property tax that supports a specific government project)
One thing to keep in mind — proposals are often presented in dense and potentially confusing language, so they can be hard to understand.