Some Republican activists in Michigan have mobilized around President Trump’s suggestion during the first presidential debate that substantial voter fraud is not just possible, but imminent. There is no evidence that such fraud is likely to occur—a point reiterated by both Republican and Democratic clerks around the state. Still, hundreds of people have showed up for poll challenger trainings organized by conservative groups this fall.

So what does this all mean for voters heading to the polls next Tuesday? And what happens when a poll challenger, well, challenges? 

To find out, Stateside talked to Madeline Halpert, who reported on poll challengers for Bridge Michigan and VoteBeat. We also spoke with two longtime election attorneys—Mark Brewer and John Pirich.

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We know the number of Black voters in Michigan—many in Detroit and surrounding Wayne County—who stayed home in 2016 was greater than Donald’s Trump’s narrow margin of victory here. But there are signs that Black voters in the city are mobilizing like they haven’t in awhile.

Millions of Michiganders are expected to vote absentee this year. Many of those requesting absentee ballots were people who didn't vote last year—and a sizable number are people of color. So, Detroit is everything in this race—or could be. 

We got an on-the-ground perspective from Candice Fortman. She's a lifelong Detroiter and the executive director of Outlier Media. She's also volunteering as a poll worker in the city next week. 

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On today’s episode, we take a look at a couple more hotly-contested congressional races in Michigan.

In West Michigan, Democrats are fighting hard to flip two districts long held by Republicans. In the 3rd District, which includes the city of Grand Rapids, two political newcomers compete for the seat currently held by Rep. Justin Amash. And in the 6th District, longtime Republican Congressman Fred Upton faces a serious challenger who is putting health care at the center of his campaign. Two reporters following these competitive races catch us up on the candidates and how voters are feeling about them. 

You can find Dustin Dwyer’s most recent reporting on the race for the 3rd District here.

Lindsay Moore’s latest on the 6th District match-up is here.  

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With just about one week left until election day, there are four congressional districts in Michigan that we're watching closely. Today, you’ll hear about two of them: the 8th and 11th Districts. Both have Democratic representatives—Haley Stevens in the 11th and Elissa Slotkin in the 8th—who flipped their seats from GOP control in 2018. Now, Republicans want those districts back.

We talked to Detroit News reporter Beth LeBlanc and Michigan Radio's Tyler Scott to find out how election season is playing out in these highly competitive districts. 

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Today on Stateside, Big Ten football returns this weekend. A sports columnist talks us through what collegiate football games will feel like amid the spread of COVID-19. Also, a look at what life was like for African American people in Michigan prior to the Civil War. Plus, a Black family wonders whether they’re still welcome in their home Up North.

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Today on Stateside, what you need to know about Prop N, the controversial ballot proposal that would send more funding to Detroit's blight removal program. Plus, we hear from the founder of the group behind a billboard campaign to draw attention to the ongoing issue of missing and murdered indigenous women. Finally, a Flint theater takes on the trauma of George Floyd and the many Black men, women, boys, and girls who were killed by police. 

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Today on Stateside, we take a look how the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in communities around the states is impacting schools. Also, a conversation about Jackson County’s history as a birthplace for the Republican Party. Plus, we talk to two election attorneys about the possibility of contested results after Nov. 3. 

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Today on Stateside, in a House district race in the district wrapping around the top of metro Detroit, Democrat Haley Stevens tries to hold on to a swing seat. And a conversation around “unschooling” as an alternative to the hectic COVID-19 plagued school year. Plus, who helps the FBI get in the room where impending crimes are discussed.

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Today on Stateside, what military leadership makes of Michigan's active militia movement. Also, we look into a hotly-contested race Up North that could help decide which party has control of the Michigan House of Representatives.

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Our daily Stateside podcast, hosted by April Baer, helps you understand what’s going on in Michigan, one conversation at a time. The new and improved Stateside podcast launches Monday, October 26. If you’re already subscribed, you don’t have to do a thing! If not, just find us wherever you like to listen to podcasts. 

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