Story by Grace Wilson, Reporter

On November 8, in-person voting for the general election will take place. All across the country, communties will participate in one of the hallmarks of citizenship: Expressing their opinions on the fate of the U.S. democracy. However, voting can be scary, especially for first time voters. How does one decide who to vote for? Below, we’ll break down the differences between  Michigan’s top candidates for governor so you can decide for yourself who is best fit to run our beautiful state.

Gretchen Whitmer is the Democratic incumbent running for her second term as Michigan’s governor. Whitmer has vowed to protect abortion rights in Michigan, including filing a lawsuit against Michigan’s 1931 anti-abortion law and petitioning for Proposal 3, an initiative on this year’s ballot to protect abortion rights. Additionally, Whitmer touts record funding for Michigan’s public schools, investments into infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and no tax increases. Whitmer also promotes state training for Michigan workers and incentives to build manufacturing plants related to the electrical vehicle industry. Furthermore, because of its environmental risks, Whitmer is looking to shut down the Enbridge Line 5 oil and gas pipeline that runs through the straits of Mackinac. 

Tudor Dixon is the Republican candidate for governor of Michigan. In her platform, Dixon fights for pro-life policies and opposes the addition of Proposal 3 to the Michigan Constitution. Dixon believes that critical race theory is detrimental to the education of school children and that parents should have more rights in the classroom. Dixon promises to invest $1 billion to recruit a new police force as well as retrain the current police force. Dixon also opposes the shutdown of the Enbridge Line 5 oil and gas pipeline because she believes it would harm Michigan residents.

For many young people, voting can seem both intimidating and unimportant. However, it is critical for all citizens to get involved and vote in all elections. You may not feel like your vote matters – it does! Right now, polling results are so close that a simple few dozen votes could change who wins. You may not feel as though politics have any effect on you – they do! The candidates who win and the proposals that succeed have the capability to alter your life and the lives of those around you.  Every voice matters, no matter how small.

The Associated Press has called the race in Governor Whitmer’s favor as of 1:21 A.M. on November 9, giving her a second term.