What’s Michigan’s top election issue? Cast your ballot with Bridge Listens

February 24, 2026

Bridge Michigan has launched the second phase of its "Bridge Listens" campaign, an interactive survey project designed to identify the most pressing issues for Michigan's 2026 election. Nearly 2,800 readers from across Michigan's counties have already participated since January, helping narrow down approximately 30 issues to focus on before the August primary. The initiative aims to guide the publication's election coverage while holding candidates accountable for addressing critical problems, such as Michigan's declining rankings in education (44th nationally) and income (40th, down from 18th over 25 years).

Who is affected

Michigan residents and voters across all 83 counties
Nearly 2,800 readers who have participated in the survey
Candidates seeking office in Michigan's 2026 election
Bridge Michigan journalists and staff
Students and workers impacted by Michigan's education and income rankings

What action is being taken

Bridge Michigan is conducting the second phase of the Bridge Listens survey
Readers are voting on their most important issues from a list of approximately 30 topics
Bridge Michigan is updating survey results regularly
The publication is using survey results to shape election coverage through articles, newsletters, social media, reader events, and online forums

Why it matters

Michigan faces fundamental challenges that require serious attention from political candidates, including a significant decline in education rankings (44th nationally) and income levels (falling from 18th to 40th over 25 years). There is a documented disconnect between voter perceptions and reality regarding the state's economic and educational status. This initiative gives voters a platform to identify priority issues and demand detailed solutions from candidates seeking public trust, ensuring accountability in the democratic process for Michigan's 2026 election.

What's next

Bridge Michigan will announce final survey results during a virtual event on July 29
In October, the organization will host an in-person convening to further explore the identified issues
Bridge Michigan will continue providing election-year coverage including fact-checks, investigations, voter guides, issues analysis, and accountability reporting

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com