Detroit Election Sees Turnout Boost

November 12, 2025

Detroit's November 4th mayoral election between Mary Sheffield and Solomon Kinloch achieved a 22% voter turnout, representing the highest participation in a municipal election since 2013, yet still meaning that over three-quarters of registered voters did not cast ballots. While Michigan has implemented reforms making voting more accessible, including automatic absentee ballot mailings and permanent absentee voter lists, Detroit's municipal election participation remains significantly lower than in state and federal contests. Officials and poll workers attribute the low turnout to voter apathy, with some suggesting that consolidating local elections with presidential elections could boost participation.

Who is affected

Mary Sheffield (Mayor-elect)
Solomon Kinloch (defeated mayoral candidate)
519,270 registered Detroit voters (with 115,518 casting ballots and 403,752 not voting)
Young voters in Detroit (specifically mentioned as having particularly low turnout)
Detroit Clerk Janice Winfrey and her department
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
Leonard McCoughlin and other poll workers
Detroit election administrators

What action is being taken

The city mailed more absentee ballots than the number of people who voted in previous primary elections
Registered voters are automatically receiving absentee ballots through the permanent absentee voter list (established by 2022 constitutional amendment)
Poll workers like Leonard McCoughlin are volunteering at polling places

Why it matters

This election reveals a significant civic engagement crisis in Detroit, where despite reforms designed to make voting easier and more accessible, nearly four out of five eligible voters are not participating in municipal elections that directly determine local leadership and policies. The low turnout raises questions about democratic legitimacy and representation, as elected officials make decisions affecting the entire city based on the preferences of a small minority of residents. The disparity between municipal election turnout and participation in state and federal elections suggests that local races fail to generate the same level of interest or perceived importance, potentially undermining the quality of local governance and accountability.

What's next

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and local leaders are considering the possibility of consolidating local elections with presidential elections to increase turnout and save money for election administrators
Mary Sheffield plans to enact her agenda, which she views as mandated by voters

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle