Voting in Detroit: Everything you need to know about the midterms

With the midterm election less than two weeks away, it’s time to nail down your voting plans. Michigan will elect a new governor this November, as well as vote on proposals on redistricting and marijuana legalization. It’s important to get the details and logistics in order for the big day, and we’re here to help.

When to vote

Voting takes place Tuesday, November 6 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across Michigan. If you’re in line at 8 p.m., stay there—you can still vote.

If you’re not going to be able to get to your polling location on Election Day, you can order an absentee ballot until November 3.

Where to vote

If you’ve recently moved, or haven’t voted in a while, here’s where to find your polling location. After the site brings up your polling location, click through to look over the sample ballot.

What to bring

In Michigan, voters are required to either show a photo ID or sign a statement saying you don’t have an ID. Don’t take your photos at the polls; save your selfie for after you vote.

As always, it’s good to know your rights when you vote.

How to get to polls

Both Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to the polls on November 6. Uber will have a “Get to the Polls” button on its app, and will partner with Vote Together and Democracy Works for the program. Lyft will have 50 percent off promo codes on Election Day, plus free rides in underserved communities. Lyft is partnering with Voto Latino, local Urban League affiliates, and the National Federation of the Blind for this program.

Scoot your way to the polls! Lime is offering free scooter rides on Election Day. Enter code ‘LIME2VOTE18’ in the app for a free ride to and/or from the polls, up to 30 minutes.

The Detroit Bus Company will offer rides to those who need to get to the polls in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck. Check here to request a ride on Election Day.

Apparently, there’s also a funeral home offering free rides in Detroit. Clora Funeral Home will offer rides in Detroit and River Rouge from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More transit options around the region can be found here.

What to expect on the ballot

Who will replace Rick Snyder as Governor? Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette and Democrat Gretchen Whitmer are the two main candidates vying for the seat in Lansing. Bridge Magazine offers a roundup of where the two stand on the big issues in Michigan (infrastructure, education, taxes, etc.). Of interest to Detroiters may be Whitmer’s running mate, Garlin Gilchrist, who grew up in the area and recently ran the city’s Innovation & Emerging Technology department and also ran for city clerk last year.

Michigan voters will also vote for a Senator. Incumbent Democrat Debbie Stabenow is running against Republican John James.

A yes vote on Proposal One will legalize the possession of weed by those 21 and over in Michigan (2.5 oz.). A vote no is a vote against legal recreational possession, although medical possession of marijuana is still legal.

Proposal Two, or the gerrymandering proposal, looks to create an independent commission to draw state and congressional legislative districts. A vote yes opts for the independent commission; a vote no keeps it in the legislature.

Proposal Three concerns how citizens vote. A yes vote would let voters register by mail up to 15 days before election day, register in-person on election day, relax reasons for absentee voting, and allow for straight-ticket voting. A vote no would not change any election rules.

For the first time since 2012, changes can be enacted to the city’s charter. A nine-person Detroit-Charter Revision Committee will be elected this fall, which could create changes in the city government. The Free Press recently rounded up candidates’ plans for the charter.

To learn more about what will be on your ballot, type in your address here to learn more about the candidates and initiatives.