The Michigan primary is August 6, 2024.

Next week’s Michigan primary election next week includes many national, state and local races that may be important for environmental voters. This is especially true in Metro Detroit where Democrats generally win, making the primaries critical.

The following guide highlights candidates’ positions on environmental issues in key races as well as ballot measures that have environmental or public health implications.

Table of Contents

When do I vote in the Michigan primary?

Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 6. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voters approved several changes to the election process 2022, including allowing for nine days of early, in-person voting. You can enter your address to find your early voting locations here.

How do I register to vote?

You are eligible to vote if you are a U.S. citizen who will be at least 18 years old on Election Day, a Michigan resident upon registration, a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days at the time of voting and are not currently serving a jail or prison sentence.

To find out if you are registered to vote, enter your name and personal information on the Michigan Secretary of State website.

Since we are within 14 days of an election, you cannot register online but can do so in person at the local clerk’s office. You can find your clerk’s office here.

To register, you must provide proof of where you live. Acceptable documents include a Michigan driver’s license or state ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document.

Where do I vote in the Michigan primary?

The Secretary of State’s website provides information on your polling place, the nearest drop box, a sample ballot, and other key information.

The city of Detroit has 14 early voting sites available. These sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 27 through Aug. 4, and voters will find booths and tabulators just as they would on Election Day.

Voters outside of Detroit can find their early voting sites here.

What if I want to vote absentee?

You can apply online for an absentee ballot any time before 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election. You can request an absentee ballot in person at the clerk’s office until 4 p.m. on the day before the election.

Your completed ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Do I need an ID to vote?

A photo ID is not a requirement for voting. However, you will be asked to show a photo ID at the polls. A driver’s license or state ID, passport, military ID, student ID from a high school or accredited college, tribal ID, or any other state or federal government-issued ID can all be used.

If you don’t have an ID, you will need to sign an affidavit saying you are not in possession of a photo ID.

Can I vote split ticket in the Michigan primary?

Michiganders cannot split their ticket between Democrats and Republicans in the Michigan primary. Voters must choose one party and vote for only that party in the partisan portions of the ballot. In the November general election, voters can vote for candidates in both parties.

What ballot measures should environmental voters know about?

Prop P (Wayne County): Wayne County Park Millage

Wayne County residents will decide on whether to renew a millage that funds operations, maintenance and upgrades for the county park system.

Proposal P would generate $14.47 million in 2026, costing homeowners with a taxable income of $100,000 $24.42 on their winter tax bills. Millage funds have been used to make significant investments in Detroit parks. Chandler, Eliza Howell, and Pingree parks are among the spaces that have received improvements through the millage or will in the future.

Prop L (Wayne County):  Detroit Library Millage

Detroit voters will be asked to renew a millage that provides 85% of the Detroit Public Library’s operating funding. Prop L would renew the current millage, costing homeowners with a taxable value of $50,000 about $200 a year.

This millage would be exempt from “tax capture,” which has siphoned off funds for the city’s Downtown Development Authority. It could raise an estimated $42 million in revenue in the first year.

DPL provides access to books, computers, an internet connection, after-school programs, and other resources. Detroit library branches have also been used at cooling centers during heat emergencies.

Prop B (Washtenaw County): Washtenaw County Conservation Millage

The proposal would renew the millage for the Washtenaw County Conservation District, a subdivision of state government that supports conservation training, farmer assistance, native plant sales, and other programming. Prop B would generate 2 cents of revenue for each $1,000 in taxable home value.

Prop C (Washtenaw County): Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Millage    

Washtenaw voters will decide whether to renew the county’s longstanding parks millage, which the county Parks and Recreation Department uses to purchase, develop and maintain parks and recreation facilities. Prop C is expected to generate $5.7 million in its first year, costing homeowners 25 cents for every $1,000 in taxable value.

These funds would help support 6,700 acres of county open space, which includes 12 parks, a recreation center, and 37 nature preserves.

What state and local races should I know about?

Oakland County Water Commissioner

The election for Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner has attracted attention this year as Commissioner Jim Nash, who has held the position for over a decade, faces a primary challenge from Jim Stevens.

Stevens had previously run against Nash as a Republican in 2020 and lost 57% to 43%. Stevens explained his party switch by saying that Democrats were more “in touch with their focus on the environment.” He said he wants to focus on improving septic field maintenance, regulating underground fuel tanks on residential properties, and ensuring businesses aren’t contaminating lakes and rivers.

Nash has emphasized climate change and water affordability as priorities. He joined a coalition of activists, elected officials, and representatives for water utilities to support water affordability legislation introduced by State Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and other lawmakers. In 2015, Nash is endorsed by the Oakland County Democratic Party.

There are also two challengers for the Republican nomination for water commissioner. Steve Johnson is running on a platform addressing toxic PFAS contamination and microplastics and nanoplastics.

Johnson said he wants to provide a “base level” of water for residential customers that they get at low or no cost. “But the people that go over that … they’re going to pay big,” he said.

Johnson is being challenged by Steve Klein, president of the nonprofit Conservation of Waterford Lands. Klein said he wants to make sure the commission’s work is environmentally and fiscally sustainable.

State House

House District 14: Democrat: McFall v. Fouts

Incumbent lawmaker Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) faces a challenge in the Democratic primary from former Warren Mayor Jim Fouts in the district that includes Hazel Park, Madison Heights, Center Line, and parts of Warren.

McFall’s campaign website lists updating infrastructure to prevent flooding and power outages as priorities, as well as ensuring water affordability. The Michigan League of Conservation Voters gave McFall a 100% score. He is endorsed by MCLV and the Michigan Sierra Club.

Fouts has served as Warren’s mayor for 26 years and has been a Democrat, Republican and Independent. His campaign website says he “aligns with Democratic values on democracy, global warming, and equality.” Sometimes referred to as “the Donald Trump of Warren,” alleged secret recordings of Fouts provided audio of him making racist, sexist and ableist remarks.

District 25: Democrat: Taha v. Herzberg v. Hines v. Koruouma v. Maxwell

The 25th district, which includes parts of Westland and Wayne, is hosting a primary that has attracted statewide interest. Much of the focus is on public health professional Layla Taha and incumbent Peter Herzberg, who won a special election to represent the district earlier this year.

Herzberg (D-Westland) lists several environmental priorities on his website, including improving recycling, reducing the amount of landfill waste coming to Michigan from out of state, stricter pollution rules, and investments in water treatment. Herzberg is endorsed by MLCV and several Michigan Democratic lawmakers, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Taha also outlines a detailed environmental program on her website, with emphasis on replacing lead service lines, preventing water shutoffs, holding polluters accountable for cleanups, and replacing DTE Energy with a public utility. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit), Detroit Action, and We The People Michigan endorse Taha.

Melandie Hines, Salif Kourouma, and Lekisha Maxwell are also running for the seat. Hines’s website does not mention environmental issues, and Maxwell and Korouma do not have campaign websites.

District 13: Democrat: Xiong v. Steenland v. Singleton

Mai Xiong (D-Warren) is being challenged by Patricia Johnson Singleton and Richard Steenland after she won a special election for the seat in the district, which includes parts of Warren, Roseville, and St. Clair Shores, earlier this year. Xiong lists addressing food insecurity, childcare needs and help for seniors aging in place as priorities on her website. She is endorsed by MLCV, Gov. Whitmer and State Sen. Chang.

Johnson Singleton previously served on the Detroit Board of Education. Her website says she wants Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac shut down.

Steenland, a former City Clerk in Roseville, says environmental justice is a priority. He is endorsed by the mayors of St. Clair Shores and Roseville.

Other state and local races

The Free Press has a good rundown of other State House races in Metro Detroit. Environmental voters may also want to look at the full list of endorsements from the Michigan Sierra Club and endorsements from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. Both lists include some city, county and township races. MLCV also provides a scorecard that evaluates state lawmakers on their environmental voting records.

What national races should I know about?

Senate: Democrat: Slotkin v. Harper

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) is running against actor Hill Harper for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing). Slotkin is a former CIA officer who was elected to the U.S. House in 2018.

Slotkin does not go into detail about environmental issues on her website, although she mentions efforts to remove lead pipes and reduce health disparities. She has a 98% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters, who also endorsed her.

Harper, who lives in Detroit and has appeared on television shows like “CSI:NY”, highlights climate and environmental issues on his website. He says he wants to build out clean energy in the state while creating jobs and protecting vulnerable communities. Harper also says making electric vehicles more accessible and addressing PFAS pollution are priorities.

He has recently criticized Slotkin for her taking money from the pro-Israel lobby, not backing single-payer health care and not supporting the Green New Deal. Harper has been endorsed by Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, former U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence and Dr. Abdul Al Sayed, head of Wayne County’s Department of Health, Human and Veteran Services.  

U.S. House District 11: Democrat: Stevens v. Ghanim

Incumbent Rep. Haley Stevens, (D-Birmingham) faces a primary challenge from Ahmed Ghanim, a Ferndale activist with a healthcare background.

Ghanim’s website says he wants to expand renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and protect the Great Lakes. He also supports a universal health care system. Ghanim has criticized Stevens for being complicit in Israel’s war in Gaza,  

Stevens ‘campaign website lists addressing climate change, PFAS pollution, and lead pipes as priorities. The League of Conservation voters gave her a lifetime score of 98%. She is endorsed by LCV and the Michigan Sierra Club.

U.S. House District 13: Democrat: Thanedar v. Waters v. Hawkins

Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit) faces a primary challenge from Detroit City Councilmember Mary Waters and Detroit attorney Shakira Lynn Hawkins.

Thanedar co-sponsored the Green New Deal and his website mentions upgrading the power grid and reducing pollution as priorities. However, Rep. Tlaib has criticized Thanedar for providing poor constituent services. Thanedar has a 100% lifetime score from LCV and is endorsed by MLCV and the Michigan Sierra Club.

Waters’s website lists support for Medicare for All, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the removal of Line 5. She is endorsed by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. In 2020, Waters pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to bribe a Southfield City Councilmember, which also involved political consultant Sam Riddle. Hawkins has said environmental justice is one of her reasons for running for the seat.

Brian Allnutt is a senior reporter and contributing editor at Planet Detroit. He covers the climate crisis, environmental justice, politics and open space.