With just hours remaining before the primary election, voters across Metro Detroit are preparing to cast their votes on important races and issues on the ballot.
This year’s primary includes mayoral contests in cities such as Detroit and Hamtramck, along with several millage proposals affecting local communities.
Voters in seven cities will select their mayors, while city council and commission seats are also up for grabs.
Although turnout is expected to be low, consistent with past years, there are still plenty of races worth watching.
In Detroit, early voters have been actively dropping off absentee ballots, determined to make their voices heard in the race to succeed Mayor Mike Duggan.
Nine candidates are vying for the mayoral seat, each hoping to lead the city into a new era.
Dawn McDuffie, a Detroit voter, emphasized the importance of participation.
“It is true what they say. Every single vote matters. Get out there and make your wishes known,” said McDuffie.
Despite expectations of voter turnout between 13 and 18%, Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey expressed hope for broader engagement.
“Seniors carry elections. We know women carry elections. But we would like to see something different. We would like everyone to be engaged in the process,” said Winfrey.
--> Detroit 2025 primary election voter guide: Ballot information, candidates running and more
Beyond Detroit, voters across the metro will help narrow down key races in six other cities, including Hamtramck and Southfield.
Additionally, ballot proposals and millages will be decided in 14 communities.
Among these is a proposal in Ann Arbor that would allow the city to sell a parking lot to a library for one dollar, as well as a police millage renewal in Clinton Township.
As election day approaches, the message remains clear: every vote counts.
“It matters for sure. Definitely matters. Everybody’s vote matters,” said a Metro Detroit resident.
Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. The city clerk hopes to have results posted by Tuesday evening before midnight.