It’s Election Day, Detroit. Here’s what to know.

August 4, 2026

Detroit residents are voting in a primary election that includes races for governor, Congress, and state Legislature, along with two significant local millage proposals. Polls are open from 7 a. m.

Who is affected

Detroit voters and residents
Residents of 17 Wayne County communities
Detroit Public Schools Community District
SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) and Detroit Department of Transportation riders
Seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who use transit services
Non-homestead property owners (businesses and rental property owners) in Detroit
Democratic and Republican primary candidates for governor and Congress

What action is being taken

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for voting
SMART and Detroit Department of Transportation are offering free rides to polling locations
The US Department of Justice is sending election monitors to polling sites in Detroit, Lansing, and East Lansing
Federal officials are ramping up scrutiny of Michigan elections

Why it matters

This election determines key political leadership positions and has significant financial implications for Detroit's future. The Wayne County transit millage could generate $50 million annually to improve public transportation services for vulnerable populations and enhance regional connectivity. The DPSCD operating millage is critical because failure to secure voter approval by July 2027 would result in a devastating $120 million deficit that could severely impact the district's ability to operate and serve students.

What's next

If the Wayne County transit millage is approved, the levy would begin in the 2026 tax year and end in 2035
If the DPSCD millage fails, the proposal will appear on November's ballot
If the DPSCD millage does not pass in November, the district may have to pay $1-2 million for a special election in May 2027
One Democrat and one Republican from the gubernatorial primary will face off in the November 4 general election
Democratic winners in the 12th and 13th Congressional Districts will face Republican candidates in November

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com