• Despite a rise in misinformation, there are a slew of options for verifying information ahead of Election Day
  • Nonpartisan fact-checkers, candidate disclosures and questionnaires can all offer voters insight into their choices
  • While this list isn’t comprehensive, it offers a selection of some of the most reputable and widely-used resources available

There’s a ton of information online, and not all can be trusted. Here are tips to help research issues with the election and claims made by candidates.

The Golden Rule

Be skeptical. Rely on trusted news sources. Resist confirmation bias. Beware of memes and sites you never heard of. Get a variety of sources, even those you may not agree with.

Related: You voted, now what? What happens to ballots in Michigan

Fact-checking claims

Several outlets routinely check the claims of candidates, politicians and campaigns, including:

Campaign finance

Money fuels election campaigns, and knowing who is giving to candidates, ballot measures and parties can provide insight to voters. Here’s where you can find information: 

  • Campaign finance filings held by the Michigan Department of State at the state level
  • For candidates’ filings at the county level and below, check with your local clerk
  • Personal financial disclosures for state-level officeholders and candidates
  • Federal Election Commission has campaign finance filings for congressional and presidential candidate
  • Open Secrets has breakdowns and statistics for federal candidates’ donations, but it won’t always be the most current information

Other resources

  • The Michigan Voter Information Center from the Department of State is the authoritative government resource for where to vote, how to register and what to expect on your ballot
  • The nonpartisan Election Protection coalition offers a relatively comprehensive guide on “everything you need to know about voting” in Michigan
  • The League of Women Voters of Michigan produces a voters’ guide to local, state and federal candidates as well as local issues for many parts of the state. Not all candidates fill out the organizations’ questionnaire, however
  • Facebook’s Voting Information Center provides localized, updated information about the voting process and registration.
  • Ballotpedia provides an overview on most races
  • The Citizens Research Council of Michigan offers nonpartisan analysis of major policy issues
  • Guides.vote, a national nonpartisan organization, often publishes voters’ guides for Michigan races.

Political parties in Michigan

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