Who and what to vote for on Nov. 5

Every election year, The Michigan Daily Editorial Board meets to discuss which candidates to endorse for the most relevant races to University of Michigan students. In the past, we’ve endorsed candidates like former President Barack Obama and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and have come to a consensus on a variety of ballot proposals and local races. In that respect, this year is no different.

But, in many other respects, this year is different. President Joe Biden’s shocking decision to end his campaign for reelection opened the way for Vice President Kamala Harris’ push for the presidency. She is now the first Black woman to ever be a major party’s presidential nominee. Abroad, global conflict and international tension have soared. This has ignited a fierce wave of activism that has not only changed the political atmosphere in the United States, but also fundamentally altered the dynamics of dialogue at the University of Michigan and other college campuses. The list of topics goes on: abortion and voting rights, financial security, climate change, the respect of expertise and election security.

Indeed, this year is one of the most pivotal elections in U.S. history. In this critical moment, The Daily’s editorial board has carefully deliberated to determine who and what to vote for this November. Of course, these are not endorsements for all of the races, but they serve to illuminate the most crucial elections to U-M students and to provide a framework for choosing who to vote for outside of these races. The following are a list of our endorsements.

For our future, vote Harris 

This editorial board endorses Kamala Harris for president because of her commitment to finding real solutions to both the day-to-day and larger, abstract problems that Americans face today. She has also consistently demonstrated the principles this country was founded upon. Her opponent fails to do either.

To read our full endorsement of Harris, click here.

For U.S. Senate, vote Slotkin

This editorial board endorses Democrat Elissa Slotkin for the U.S. Senate. Her moderate approach to solving the issues Michiganders care about the most not only makes her an effective policymaker, but also makes her an effective steward toward a more bipartisan political environment. Additionally, a Democratic majority in the Senate is essential.

To read our full endorsement of Slotkin, click here.

For University’s Board of Regents, vote Diggs, no one else

This editorial board endorses Democrat Shauna Ryder Diggs for the University’s Board of Regents due to her experience as a former board member and health care provider. We hope her distance from the current board will provide her with a distinct perspective more attune to effectively alleviating the issues between the administration and students. We refuse to endorse a second candidate.

To read our full endorsement of Diggs, click here. 

For U.S. House of Representatives, vote Dingell

This editorial board endorses Democratic incumbent Debbie Dingell for U.S. House of Representatives because of her commitment to promoting progressive ideals in Congress and how crucial a Democratic majority in the U.S. House could be. 

To read our full endorsement of Dingell, click here. 

For the Ann Arbor ballot proposals, vote yes on A, B and no on C, D

This editorial board endorses a vote of yes on proposals A and B and a vote of no on proposals C and D. Proposals A and B are noncontroversial movements toward a greener Ann Arbor. Proposal C would remove the August primary for Ann Arbor city elections, creating chaos without substantially enfranchising student voters. Proposal D is unrealistic and arguably illegal under state law.

To read our full endorsement regarding the Ann Arbor ballot proposals, click here. 

For Ann Arbor Public Schools School Board, vote Wilkerson, Wilks, Kanous

This editorial board endorses Don Wilkerson, Glynda Wilks and Megan Kanous for Ann Arbor Public Schools’ school board. All three candidates have demonstrated an aligned interest in making financial transparency a priority in the wake of a $25 million budget shortage, improving the quality of education in Ann Arbor Public Schools and using AAPS to give back to the community.

To read our full endorsement of Wilkerson, Wilks and Kannous, click here.

For the Michigan State Legislature, vote Morgan

This editorial board endorses Democrat incumbent Jason Morgan for Michigan State Legislature because of his unmatched consistent presence and dedication to the people of the Ann Arbor and University of Michigan community.

To read our full endorsement of Morgan, click here.

For the Michigan Supreme Court, vote Harris Bolden, Thomas

This editorial board endorses Kyra Harris Bolden and Kimberly Thomas to the Supreme Court of Michigan because of their interest in securing Michiganders’ right to an abortion and right to vote.

To read our full endorsement of Harris Bolden and Thomas, click here.

This editorial represents the opinion of The Michigan Daily’s Editorial Board. If you are interested in submitting an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor, please send your submission to tothedaily@michigandaily.com.

Related articles