How to be an informed voter, detect misinformation
- Despite a rise in misinformation, there are a slew of options for verifying information ahead of Election Day
- Nonpartisan fact-checkers, candidate disclosures and questionnaires can all offer voters insight into their choices
- While this list isn’t comprehensive, it offers a selection of some of the most reputable and widely-used resources available
There’s a ton of information online, and not all can be trusted. Here are tips to help research issues with the election and claims made by candidates.
The Golden Rule
Be skeptical. Rely on trusted news sources. Resist confirmation bias. Beware of memes and sites you never heard of. Get a variety of sources, even those you may not agree with.
Fact-checking claims
Several outlets routinely check the claims of candidates, politicians and campaigns, including:
- Politifact
- FactCheck.org
- Snopes
- Michigan Secretary of State FAQs on the electoral process
Campaign finance
Money fuels election campaigns, and knowing who is giving to candidates, ballot measures and parties can provide insight to voters. Here’s where you can find information:
- Campaign finance filings held by the Michigan Department of State at the state level
- For candidates’ filings at the county level and below, check with your local clerk
- Personal financial disclosures for state-level officeholders and candidates
- Federal Election Commission has campaign finance filings for congressional and presidential candidate
- Open Secrets has breakdowns and statistics for federal candidates’ donations, but it won’t always be the most current information
Other resources
- The Michigan Voter Information Center from the Department of State is the authoritative government resource for where to vote, how to register and what to expect on your ballot
- The nonpartisan Election Protection coalition offers a relatively comprehensive guide on “everything you need to know about voting” in Michigan
- The League of Women Voters of Michigan has produced a voters' guide to local, state and federal candidates as well as local issues for many parts of the state. Not all candidates may have filled out the organizations’ questionnaire, however
- Facebook's Voting Information Center provides localized, updated information about the voting process and registration.
- Ballotpedia provides an overview on most races
- The Citizens Research Council of Michigan offers nonpartisan analysis of major policy issues
- Voters' guide on governor's race, secretary of state's race and the Michigan Supreme Court race from guides.vote, a national nonpartisan organization
Political parties in Michigan
- Michigan Republican Party
- Michigan Democratic Party
- Michigan Libertarian Party
- US Taxpayers Party of Michigan
- Michigan Green Party
- Working Class Party of Michigan
Endorsements
As of early May, the following entities had endorsed candidates for Michigan 2024 elections. This list will be updated at a later date.
Labor organizations
- AFL-CIO
- Police Officers Association of Michigan
- Michigan Association of Police Organizations
- United Auto Workers
- Michigan Education Association
- Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan
Industry groups
- Michigan Association of Realtors
- Michigan Chamber of Commerce
- Small Business Association of Michigan
- Michigan Association for Justice
Interest groups
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!