Detroit, We Need You at the Polls: Everything You Need to Know to Vote in 2025

August 4, 2025

Detroit faces a pivotal election year in 2025 with every major city leadership position on the ballot, including a new mayor for the first time in over a decade, all City Council seats, city clerk, and seven Board of Police Commissioners positions. The election coincides with the final allocation of Detroit's remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with less than $100 million left of the original $826 million received. Despite the significance of these elections that directly impact housing, public safety, education, and infrastructure, Detroit has struggled with low voter turnout—just 24% in the 2021 mayoral election and 18% in 2023 citywide races.

Who is affected

Detroit residents, particularly Black Detroiters
Young people, renters, and low-income families (who face systemic barriers to civic participation)
Communities dependent on programs funded by ARPA
Neighborhoods needing infrastructure repairs and affordable housing

What action is being taken

Early voting is currently underway at eight designated sites throughout Detroit
Ballots can be cast in-person or through absentee voting by mail or drop-off
Same-day voter registration is available for eligible residents
Election officials are implementing security procedures to protect ballot integrity
Canvassing boards consisting of two Democrats and two Republicans review election results

Why it matters

This represents the first mayoral change in over a decade for Detroit
The remaining ARPA funds (less than $100 million of the original $826 million) must be allocated before they expire
Critical city services like housing, public safety, education, and infrastructure are determined by local elections
Historically low voter turnout (24% in 2021, 18% in 2023) means fewer voices shape Detroit's future
All elected officials must be Detroit residents, with district representatives required to live in the areas they serve

What's next

Primary election on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, with polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
General election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
State Board of Canvassers must finalize election results by November 25
Automatic recounts for any statewide race decided by 2,000 votes or fewer
Post-election audits of ballots, which are stored for 22 months after the election

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle