Mike Duggan, the mayor of Detroit, declared on Thursday that he is in favor of a ballot measure that would introduce ranked choice voting to Michigan.
“Our current electoral system rewards division,” said Duggan, an Independent candidate for governor and a former Democrat.
Voters would rank their choices of candidates in order of preference under ranked choice voting. Until a candidate has received at least 50% of the first choice votes, the candidate with the fewest first choice votes would be removed, and the ballots would be redistributed to the designated second choice.
Will Michigan implement ranked-choice voting in the upcoming election?
Proponents claim that because politicians would want to score highly in a voter’s rating even if they are not that voter’s first choice, the system would encourage them to concentrate on subjects on which they agree.
Speaking Thursday to the Lansing Chamber of Commerce, Duggan said he wrote his final thesis in 1980 on the merits of ranked choice voting in presidential primaries.
Duggan claimed that I was ahead of my time.
In order to change the state constitution and implement ranked choice voting in Michigan, Rank MI Vote has been preparing the groundwork for a possible ballot initiative in 2026.
Even though the plan wouldn’t go into action until after the next gubernatorial election, he stated that his goal is still to send a positive message.
Duggan declared, “I don’t run against anybody.” I don’t advertise negatively about other people.
“My campaign isn’t going to be telling you why the Republicans and Democrats are awful,” Duggan said, adding that he will challenge the Democratic and Republican nominees when the time comes. My argument will be that if we band together, Michigan will be a better state.
According to Duggan, polling suggests that voters are amenable to an independent candidate for governor because they believe neither of the main parties is looking out for their best interests.
He cited a lawsuit filed by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) to compel the state House, now controlled by Republicans, to forward bills passed when the chamber was controlled by Democrats to the governor for executive action, claiming that this is primarily the result of dysfunction in the state Capitol.
“I will run a campaign in which I will not demonize anyone,” Duggan declared. People in Michigan will decide whether they want a change or are content with the status quo when I explain my plans to them.
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses media during a meeting with the Lansing Economic Club in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses media during a meeting with the Lansing Economic Club in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
On February 6, 2025, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the Lansing Economic Club at an event in East Lansing, Michigan. (Image courtesy of Michigan Advance/Andrew Roth)
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.