Metro Detroit voters went to the polls Tuesday with school construction, public safety funding and local leadership among the decisions before them. Across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, residents interviewed by WXYZ also cited rising prices, global conflicts and reproductive freedom as reasons for voting.
In Dearborn, the school district sought approval for a bond proposal projected to generate about $1.5 billion over 30 years to renovate or rebuild every district public school. The measure is not a renewal, though teachers told WXYZ it would preserve the same taxpayer rate as two expiring levies for city expenditures. At Henry Ford Elementary, voter Abdul said expensive groceries and gasoline were driving his concern about the cost of living.
Bloomfield Township voters considered a $50 million bond to build police and fire stations. Township officials said the police department has outgrown its space in Township Hall. Approval would allow construction to begin in 2027, with completion expected in 2029. The estimated tax increase for an average residential property would be approximately $128.96 in the first year. Bloomfield Township resident Manish Salecha named war, inflation and gas prices among his concerns.
Elsewhere in Oakland County, Pontiac voters faced the city's first road proposal in more than 40 years, a $75 million bond for reconstruction, resurfacing and rehabilitation. Steven Crowder said road repairs and proposals involving the Charles H. Wright Museum and Detroit Zoo helped motivate him to vote. Oakland County ballots also included university governing boards, local education boards and Michigan's 11th Congressional District race.
Waterford Township again asked voters to approve police and fire operating millages after both failed in August. Residents expressed differing views about reconsidering the measures and paying more for those services. A separate non-homestead school millage would raise the rate from roughly 17.6 to 17.67 mills to 18 mills, bringing in an estimated additional $500,000 annually. It applies to properties including businesses, rentals and second homes, with revenue supporting school operations.
Eastpointe reported substantial participation before and during Election Day. City Manager Ryan Madis said approximately 8,000 ballots had been cast beforehand, including about 1,500 early in-person votes and 6,500 received absentee ballots. More than 3,000 additional people voted at polling places by 2 p.m. Tuesday in a city with roughly 28,000 registered voters. Around noon at Lakeview High School, voters faced waits of approximately 90 minutes.
Macomb County voters described a broad range of priorities. Eastpointe's Robert Kacir wanted more attention and tax money directed toward domestic issues, while Chris Saylor emphasized local millages. In Warren, Edward Buteruga cited reproductive freedom, and Brenda Needham said conservative Christian values guided her choices. Some voters also expressed relief at the prospect of election advertising ending after a contentious campaign season.
In Lincoln Park, candidates gathered outside the Kennedy Memorial Building as residents arrived to vote. Several incumbents, including the mayor, were unopposed, but residents described an active word-of-mouth effort supporting write-in candidates. Voter Marlene Lewis said she wanted leadership focused on public safety and infrastructure.
Woodhaven Community Center poll workers reported high turnout, attributing some activity to the consolidation of three precincts into one. They also cited competition for an open mayoral position and multiple vacant City Council seats. Woodhaven voter Vriana Becker said reproductive care, autonomy and transgender healthcare were among her priorities.
