Detroit's Voting Problem: Simple Fixes, Big Impact

Detroit's city elections have seen a big drop in voter turnout over the past 20 years. In 2005, 41% of eligible voters showed up, but by 2021, that number had fallen to just 24%. This is much lower than the national average of 31% for big cities. Even though turnout inched up a bit in the latest election, it's still not good enough. One big reason for the low turnout is when the elections are held. Detroit, like some other cities, holds its elections in odd-numbered years, which are often called "off years. " These years see less voter interest. But in cities where local elections happen at the same time as big national elections, like presidential ones, turnout is much higher. For example, in San Francisco, nearly two-thirds of eligible voters cast ballots in the last local election. In Detroit's peer city, Baltimore, 52% of voting-age residents voted in the 2024 municipal election. Shifting Detroit's elections to align with presidential years could be a game-changer. It would put local races in front of more voters. But changing the election cycle isn't the only solution. Grassroots efforts, like those led by Sheila Cockrel of Citizen Detroit and Al Williams of Lift Every Voice, are also crucial. They focus on educating voters and making sure they have the information they need to participate.However, the biggest challenge is rebuilding trust in local government. Many Detroiters feel disconnected and believe their votes don't make a difference. This is a tough problem to solve, but not impossible. Other cities have improved turnout, and Detroit can too. To make this change, the Detroit City Charter would need to be amended. This can be done through a petition signed by 5% of registered voters or by a 3/5 vote of the City Council. Once on the ballot, the measure would need a majority vote to pass. In the meantime, efforts to educate voters and make the voting process more accessible are ongoing. Organizations like Activate Detroit and the Voter Engagement Empowerment and Enrichment Movement (VEEEM) in Pittsburgh are working hard to engage voters and increase turnout. But they face challenges, including lack of funding and coordination. Ultimately, the goal is to give Detroiters a reason to vote. Candidates need to address the issues that matter most to everyday people, not just developers and banks. When voters see that their participation can make a real difference, they are more likely to show up at the polls.