Today is the second of two episodes about the August 2026 Partisan Primary. And although we’re in Ann Arbor and in some ways this goes without saying, I’ll just say out loud that for the sake of this podcast, we are only talking about the Democratic candidates. If you haven’t already, please check out our first primary episode, where we discuss (aka have strong opinions about) the hyperlocal races, including city council, mayor, and countywide ballot proposals.

Endorsements:

• State Representative for congressional district 33: Morgan Foreman (unopposed)
• State Senator for state senate district 15: Felicia Brabec
• U.S. Representative for congressional district 6: Debbie Dingell (unopposed)
• Governor: Jocelyn Benson
• U.S. Senator: Abdul El-Sayed (we originally endorsed Mallory McMorrow, but she withdrew from the race)

Some references we dropped:

• Tressie McMillan Cottom’s NYT opinion on AI in politics, “This Could Be The Winning Issue for Democrats” - link (you can access it for free through the library)
• More Neighbors Ann Arbor meetings and newsletter (we’re not officially linked! We just love the work they do and the things they advocate for!), which included great info and calls to action. 
  • The July general meeting will feature Matthew Countryman talking about local histories of housing segregation. You know you want to.

Some ways you could do your homework for this election: 

• Women are still underrepresented in local government, despite a woman running for president
• This One’s for the Boys: How Gendered Political Socialization Limits Girls’ Political Ambition and Interest
• Why Don’t Women Run for Office? (A brief overview with links to resources on a lot of things we talk about in this conversation.)
• McMorrow clarifies stance on Gaza, joins Michigan Democrats calling situation a genocide
• El-Sayed’s campaign website
• McMorrow’s campaign website
• “Quit yelling at clouds!”

Election and voting info:

• Visit www.michigan.gov/vote to view a sample ballot and the latest information.
• No-reason absentee vote ballots are available starting June 25, 2026.
• Online and mail requests for an absentee ballot must be received by your township or city clerk no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election. If you’re already registered at your current address, you can request an absent voter ballot in person at your clerk’s office anytime up to 4 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2026.
• Constitutionally-mandated early voting period: July 24-Aug. 2, 2026.
• Last day to register to vote by mail or online: July 20, 2026. 
• New voter registrations are required in person for August election July 21-Aug. 4, 2026
• Documents must have your name and current address. You can use your Michigan driver’s license or state ID, a current utility bill or bank statement, your paycheck or government check, or other government document. 
• You can register to vote, and vote in person, on Election Day at your city or township clerk’s office.

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