Opinion | Michigan’s electoral system works. We just need to spread that message

Michigan saw overwhelming, record-breaking turnout in last November’s election, and we witnessed our recent May and August elections take place securely and without incident. In both instances we learned something important: Our state’s electoral system is strong and can stand up to whatever gets thrown its way.

Michiganders overwhelmingly believe that, too, according to a new poll commissioned by our bipartisan group, the Democracy Defense Project (DDP), to gauge sentiment about elections in Michigan.

Files photos of Jim Blanchard, John Engler, John Cherry and Mike Bishop. — Democratic former Gov. Jim Blanchard, Republican former Gov. John Engler, Democratic former Lieutenant Gov. John Cherry and Republican former US Rep. Mike Bishop are board members of Democracy Defense Project Michigan. (AP photos)

Michigan voters across the political spectrum remain confident in our state’s election system, and they are even more confident in their own county officials who work tirelessly to ensure our elections are fair, safe and secure.

Of Michigan voters surveyed, nearly 76% said they believe the November 2024 election was conducted fairly and accurately. Even more striking, trust in local elections has surged to 88%, up from 78% before the November election, according to poll results. That represents a fundamental endorsement of the people who make our democracy work at the grassroots level: our friends, neighbors and community members who serve as local elections workers and volunteers.

Furthermore, over 78% of Michigan voters surveyed said they are confident in the fairness and accuracy of the upcoming 2026 elections. This forward-looking trust demonstrates voter confidence in the system’s ongoing integrity.

We should take a moment to consider something truly remarkable about these findings: They are largely bipartisan in an age of deep political divides. Majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independents express satisfaction with Michigan’s existing election laws. This cross-party consensus represents a shared confidence in our democratic process—something increasingly rare in American politics.

The polls also tell us that Michigan residents’ confidence in our elections increases as they know more about the system already in place. Where voters do express concerns — such as the 56.9% who worry about non-citizen voting — they are more likely to support practical solutions rather than wholesale change. The fact that many voters want to see voter ID requirements, which is already law in Michigan, suggests that public education about existing safeguards remains important.

The poll also reveals something else profound about Michigan voters’ commitment to democratic self-governance. More than 82% of those surveyed said voters should have the final say in setting election law reform. This represents a clear mandate for democratic participation in such choices and should be taken into account by lawmakers who are considering any large-scale changes to a system that voters already have confidence in.

Despite the overwhelming confidence in our state’s elections, there is more work to be done to help ensure even greater faith in our elections and to stave off any attempts to sow distrust. We encourage business and civic leaders, the media and local officials to be vocal about the safety and security of our election system. And, to those citizens who remain skeptical, we encourage you to go to your local clerk’s office and volunteer to help in the next election, where you can see firsthand the healthy functioning of democracy.

Michigan’s elections work because our election workers perform their duties with professionalism, transparency and dedication to serving all voters fairly. It works when turnout is overwhelming, as it was in November, and it works when turnout is lighter, as occurred on Aug. 5.

Our polling data confirms what we have experienced firsthand: Michigan elections are safe, secure, and worthy of our confidence.