Michigan elections FAQ video: poll accuracy, drop box security and more

• Bridge Michigan is answering reader questions through a new Elections FAQ series, including a new weekly video feature
• In latest episode, reporters Lauren Gibbons and Jordyn Hermani discuss accuracy of Michigan polls, ballot drop box security and more
• Other topics include the status of ballot proposals and presidential alternatives

You have questions about the 2024 election cycle. We’re here to answer them.

Bridge Michigan this month launched a new weekly video show as part of our Elections FAQ feature that aims to engage voters in the 2024 election cycle by answering reader questions. 

Ask your own question here, and watch the latest episode below:

Among the topics covered:

• Are Republicans running as Democrats? Responding to a reader question, reporter Lauren Gibbons explained that Democratic primary candidates in at least two state House districts have a history of donating to Republican candidates and causes. One previously spoke with a Bridge reporter while attending an Oakland County dinner featuring former President Donald Trump and pledging his devotion to him.

• Primary candidates cut from the ballot: Several high-profile candidates have been bounced from the primary ballot in recent weeks because of signature issues, including Detroit U.S. House candidate Adam Hollier and U.S. Senate hopeful Nasser Beydoun. Reporter Jordyn Hermani explained that’s part of a trend of fraudulent signatures that have rocked campaigns in recent years.
• How good are polls: One reader asked whether Michigan polls can be trusted. Gibbons noted that some have mixed record on correctly predicting the winner. Polls are a snapshot in time, meaning they may not quite match the final outcome, she said. “It's also really important to keep in mind that the methodology can change a lot from pollster to pollster,” Gibbons said. “It's important to look into how the poll was conducted before you really take a lot of stock.”

• Ballot proposals: Readers asked whether ballot initiatives to get rid of the Michigan property tax and implement “good time” incentives for prisoners would make it to the 2024 ballot.  The property tax initiative “does seem like a long shot,” though organizers have until July 8 to submit signatures for the plan to change Michigan’s constitution,” Hermani said. And the good time initiative did not get the signatures required to make the ballot, Gibbons said. 

Bridge will be back next week with another Elections FAQ show, and we’ll also continue to answer questions through posts on our website. Ask your question here, or visit our Voter Guide for more information.