- Bridge Listens is moving on to its next phase with a ballot to define Michigan’s top issue
- The first phase elicited nearly 2,800 responses from all corners of the state
- Balloting continues through July
We asked for your opinion, Michigan. And boy, did you give it.
Since Jan. 8, nearly 2,800 readers from almost all 83 counties have participated in Bridge Listens, an unscientific survey to identify the top issues of Michigan for the 2026 election.
Bridge Michigan is using the survey to help shape our election coverage — and demand answers from those seeking office about solutions.
Today, we launch the second phase of the campaign, which seeks to pare down a list of about 30 issues to the most important ones before the Aug. 4 primary.
We’re asking readers to vote on their most important issues, and we will spend the ensuing months exploring them in articles, newsletters, social media, reader events and online forums.
We’ll announce the final results during a virtual event July 29. In October, as you’re prepared to vote for candidates, we’ll host an in-person convening to further explore the issues.
Related:
- Hey, Gov. Whitmer: Here’s what Michigan says is real State of the State
- Fact check: How Whitmer delivered — and didn’t — on her promises
- Here are facts shaping Michigan as state gears for big election year
This is important stuff. A poll released this week by the Detroit Regional Chamber underscores that there’s a big disconnect between how voters perceive Michigan’s economy and educational opportunities and reality.
The poll found that residents across political spectrums believed Michigan was wealthier and smarter. In fact, the state is ranked 44th in the nation for education by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, while incomes have fallen to 40th in the nation from 18th in just 25 years.
These are fundamental problems that candidates seeking your trust must address in deep detail.
But Bridge Listens is designed to be fun as well, an unscientific survey that we hope prompts conversations and healthy debate.
Voting is easy. It should take less than 1 minute. We’ll update the results often. Follow along with our regular election-year coverage of fact-checks, investigations, voter guides, issues analysis and accountability reporting.
Bridge is your megaphone. Use it. Because so much is at stake in Michigan.
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