2018 General Election in Michigan: Your Need-To-Know Guide

MICHIGAN — On Tuesday, Nov. 6, Michiganders will make crucial decisions for the state, including electing the next governor and voting on three proposals, along with a slew of other issues.

Patch has got you covered for the prep work before you head to the polls. From missed debates to helpful links in advance, here’s your resource guide to navigating the 2018 General Election.

Keep in mind that polls are open in Michigan from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., in every election.

Key Races

Governor's race

Here are the candidates for Michigan governor:

• Gretchen Whitmer (Democrat) Visit her website here.
• Bill Schuette (Republican) Visit his website here.
• Keith Butkovich (Natural Law)
• Bill Gelineau (Libertarian)
• Jennifer Kurland (Green)
• Todd Schleiger (Constitution)

U.S. Senate race

Here are the candidates for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat:

• Sen. Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, incumbent) Visit her website here.
• John James (Republican) Visit his website here.
• George Huffman (Constitution)
• Marcia Squier (Green)
• John Wilhelm (Natural Law)

Proposals

No. 1 -- Proposal to legalize recreational marijuana

Voters will be asked if they want to authorize and legalize possession, use and cultivation of marijuana products by individuals who are at least 21 years of age and older, and commercial sales of marijuana through state-licensed retailers.

The proposal would help fund schools, roads and communities and is slated to be approved by voters. Here's a more in-depth look.

View the official ballot language for this proposal -- Proposal 18-1 -- right here.

No. 2 -- Anti-gerrymandering proposal

Voters will be asked if they want to to establish a commission of citizens with exclusive authority
to adopt district boundaries for the Michigan Senate, Michigan House of Representatives and U.S. Congress, every 10 years.

View the official ballot language for this proposal -- Proposal 18-2 -- right here.

No. 3 -- Automatic voter registration proposal

Voters will be asked if they want to authorize automatic and Election Day voter registration, no-reason absentee voting, and straight ticket voting; and add current legal requirements for military and overseas voting and postelection audits to the Michigan Constitution.

View the official ballot language for this proposal -- Proposal 18-3 -- right here.

Other key races

Michigan Attorney General

Here are the candidates for Michigan Attorney General:

• Dana Nessel (Democrat)
• Tom Leonard (Republican)
• Lisa Gioia (Libertarian)
• Gerald Van Sickle (U.S. Taxpayers)
• Chris Graveline (Independent)

Michigan Secretary of State

Here are the candidates for Michigan Secretary of State:

• Jocelyn Benson (Democrat)
• Mary Lang (Republican)
• Gregory Stempfle (Libertarian)
• Robert Gale (U.S. Taxpayers)

Michigan Supreme Court

Here are the candidates for Michigan Supreme Court:

• Samuel Bagenstos
• Megan Cavanagh
• Elizabeth Clement (Incumbent)
• Doug Dern
• Kerry Morgan
• Kurtis Wilder (Incumbent)

The rest of the races across Michigan

For a full list of who is running in races across the state here, click here.

Missed the Debates?
Re-watch them here on WDIV before the election:

• Republican candidates for Michigan governor debate in Detroit -- watch here
• Democratic candidates for Michigan governor debate in Detroit -- watch here
• Whitmer, Schuette debate in West Michigan -- watch here
• Debating Proposal 2 and the 'Kavanaugh effect' in midterm elections -- watch here
• Michigan Senate candidates Stabenow, James debate -- watch here
• Gubernatorial candidates Bill Schuette and Gretchen Whitmer debate in Detroit -- watch here

Quick Links:

• Full list of candidates, including judges and state boards
• Check out your sample ballot
• Find your district

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