An initiative is actively working to help Detroit voters prepare for the 2026 election, which will feature a range of races from statewide offices to Congress, the Michigan Legislature, and local positions, including the Detroit Public School Community District Board of Education. With a significant amount of information facing voters, the effort aims to provide reliable, independent journalism.
Preparation for this election has been ongoing for months, focusing on the issues Detroit voters have identified as most important. This includes discussions with candidates on topics such as the economy, affordability, education, healthcare, property taxes, and the future direction of neighborhoods. Campaign claims made during the election cycle have been fact-checked to ensure accuracy. The organization has also published articles addressing key areas, such as what to understand about the Detroit school board races, a guide on how to contact representatives and elected officials in Detroit, and insights into how city leaders might work to reduce Detroit’s high property taxes. To consolidate this information, a comprehensive Voter Guide has been developed to help readers understand who is on their ballot, where candidates stand on various issues, and how to cast their vote.
Much of this journalistic work is rooted in listening to the community. Through a specific listening initiative, more than 6,400 responses were collected from Michiganders, detailing what they wanted to understand before participating in elections. These questions and concerns have been crucial in shaping the election coverage, acknowledging that voters across Michigan, and specifically Detroit, have distinct information needs. Detroit residents are actively considering questions about the economy, affordability, education, healthcare, property taxes, and the trajectory of their neighborhoods. They also seek clarity on the candidates and local races that will directly influence decisions within their city. The Voter Guide brings together candidate details, fact-checks, and practical voting information in one accessible place, and it remains free to read, ensuring voters can access critical information without cost.
While this journalism is offered freely, its production requires significant resources. Reporters need dedicated time to research candidates and complex issues, verify claims made during campaigns, engage with Detroit voters and various community sources, examine public records, and clearly explain their findings. The creation of a useful Voter Guide and consistent reporting on the races and issues affecting Detroit demands sustained effort from a newsroom committed to keeping the electorate informed. To support these ongoing efforts, a fundraising campaign is underway this fall. These contributions are intended to sustain the election journalism Detroit voters rely on, as well as the accountability reporting that continues long after the votes have been cast. Sally Freels, a director, works to connect donors and members to the mission of nonprofit, nonpartisan journalism.
Election Day is not considered the conclusion of this work. After voters have selected their leaders, the organization plans to continue asking questions, monitoring decisions, and reporting on how elected officials utilize the power entrusted to them. Even after campaign signs are removed, the questions and concerns of the community are expected to remain, prompting continued journalistic scrutiny.
