Barriers at the Ballot Box: Voting Access for Michiganders with Disabilities

The Huron River is one of the most prominent in our state, and 650,000 people live in the watershed. But you can’t eat fish from the Huron River. After years of unregulated industry, dumping and pollution, PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’ are part of the Huron. There’s also a toxic Dioxane bloom moving through groundwater towards the Huron River — the source of drinking water for Ann Arbor. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Awareness about PFAS is increasing, and so are the solutions that can improve river health. Some are policies being introduced at the state level, like so-called “Polluter Pay Laws” introduced by Michigan Democrats and supported by environmental organizations. On Wednesday, November 12, the Huron River Watershed Council will host a one-day conference, “State of the Huron” to discuss the health of the Huron River and chart its next chapter. Rebecca Esselman, Executive Director of the Huron River Watershed Council, joined the Metro to talk about the present and future health of the Huron River.

Thousands of women have been in the initial stages of a legal battle over hair products they believe made them sick. In 2022, The National Institute of Environmental Health Science, found that women who use hair relaxers frequently increase their risk of developing cancer, and now over 10,000 women who have used the treatment are suing the manufacturers. The findings raise important questions about the risks associated with hair products—risks that are present everyday in a city dubbed the "Hair Capital of the World." Aisha Langford, a professor of public health at Wayne State University’s School of Medicine, joined the show to explain important takeaways for consumers and stylists who use relaxers.

Political junkies have their minds on the elections that just happened this past week. But one year ahead, there are a lot more elections in the state. That’s true for the governor's race, where a slate of Democratic and Republican candidates, in addition to an independent candidate, are running for the seat.  Currently, Congressman John James and former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox are in the lead. Why? And, what do they need to do to win? Producer Sam Corey spoke to longtime Michigan Republican strategist Jeff Timmer to find out.

Despite laws guaranteeing equal access, most metro Detroit polling sites still fall short for voters with disabilities. Detroit Disability Power’s Eric Welsby joins Robyn Vincent to unpack what happened during Michigan’s midterm election — and what must change before the next one. Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Leading up to this year’s election The Metro has discussed how Detroit's turnout needs to improve. According to the city’s unofficial results, nearly 22,000 more people voted this year than in the 2021 mayoral election. After a quick update with Oakland County clerk Lisa Brown, we were joined by Al Williams, who leads ground efforts with Lift Every Voice and Vote in Detroit. The non-profit organization encourages voting.

For the first time, a woman is set to lead the City of Detroit. Mary Sheffield is a 38-year old Black woman and the Detroit city council president.  Becoming mayor, she’ll have a much brighter spotlight flashing on her. So how significant is Sheffield’s win? And, what kinds of things might she need to be concerned about that a man wouldn’t? Raquel Constañeda-Lopez served on Detroit City council at the same time as Sheffield. She runs an organization called Restorative Democracy, which supports women of color who hold public office.  Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Nearly a quarter of Wayne County residents rely on SNAP benefits to eat. With the uncertainty surrounding federal funding, community organizations across metro Detroit have been stepping up to fill the gap and ensure people are fed and cared for. BasBlue, a community organization and gathering place for women and nonbinary people, is located in Midtown, Detroit and was established in 2021. On Monday, they hosted a first-ever “Community Supper” in response to SNAP benefits uncertainty resulting from the government shutdown. Ellen Gilchrist, BasBlue CEO, joined the Metro to discuss why now was the time to provide meals to the public.

In the 12 years since the city of Detroit declared bankruptcy, a new generation of voters came of age. A sizeable portion of Gen Z—those born between 1997 and 2012—are now old enough to cast their ballots in Tuesday's election. That group in 2022 voted at a higher rate in their first midterms than Millennials, Gen X, and likely Boomers when they were the same age, making them a relatively more civically engaged cohort.  As we approach a different kind of off year election, when the keys to the future of Detroit are up for grabs, just how engaged is Gen Z in local politics? Guests: Imani Foster - Communication lead with 482forward, a coalition that supports education in Detroit. Jonathan Shepard - Film marketing and journalism student at Wayne State University and the multimedia manager for the the school’s newspaper. Sedrick Huff - Policy manager at the Eastside Community Network.

Election Day 2025 brings both reform and doubt. Political analyst E.J. Dionne joins co-host Robyn Vincent to help make sense of the shifting forces shaping voter access, trust, and the future of American democracy.

For a long time, Michigan's roads didn't have the funding they needed. That was true until last month, when lawmakers placed a 24% tax on marijuana products sold in the state. The vote was mostly along party lines with Democrats supporting it, and Republicans rejecting the measure. But the vote needed bipartisan support. And they got it from Upper Peninsula State Senator Ed McBroom. Producer Sam Corey spoke with Senator McBroom before President Donald Trump complied with rulings to temporarily and partially fund SNAP for this month. After their conversation, the state Senate approved a plan to fund SNAP. Senator McBroom, along with several other Senate Republicans, did not attend the vote for that in the statehouse.  McBroom’s office told The Metro that the senator was told by Democratic leadership that representatives wouldn’t be voting on anything and that the SNAP bill wasn’t originally on the day’s agenda. Democratic state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks’ office said the Senate Republican caucus was provided the bill and had time to meet to discuss it ahead of the vote.