In Michigan, Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris both held rallies to win over voters in the key battleground state. Trump targeted Muslim voters in Michigan by pledging to bring peace to the Middle East and end conflicts. He met with local imams at a rally outside Detroit, where he also promised to reverse economic decline in the area and across the nation. Despite his past immigration policies, some Muslim Americans appear to be leaning towards Trump due to dissatisfaction with current President Joe Biden and Harris’s support of Israel. Imam Belal Alzuhairi from the Islamic Center of Detroit expressed support for Trump, highlighting his promise of peace.
Michigan, with its 8.4 million registered voters and 15 electoral college votes, is one of the seven pivotal states expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming election. It forms part of the “Blue Wall,” an area considered crucial for the Democrats’ chance to elect Harris.
Meanwhile, in Kalamazoo, former First Lady Michelle Obama supported Harris by distinguishing her from Trump on issues like abortion rights, taxes, and healthcare. Obama criticized Trump’s performance and treatment of Harris, urging undecided voters to recognize the differences in character and qualifications between the two candidates. She addressed women’s health, critiquing Trump’s understanding and the potential negative impact of his policies on women’s healthcare.
In her address, Harris touched upon the need to end the conflict in Gaza, responding to a demonstrator’s interruption. She emphasized the necessity to move beyond fear and division. Earlier, Harris met with women medical providers to discuss the healthcare crisis following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
After his Michigan engagement, Trump proceeded to Pennsylvania to engage young voters at a Penn State University rally, stressing the importance of securing a victory on November 5.
Recent polls indicate a tight race, with Harris leading Trump nationally by a slight margin (46% to 43%), and a similar narrow lead in Michigan (47.6% to 47.1%), according to FiveThirtyEight.
Michigan has recently adopted new voting procedures, including early in-person voting and allowing jurisdictions with over 5,000 residents to begin processing mail ballots ahead of Election Day. To date, 19.5% of registered voters in the state have voted, totaling nearly 1.42 million, primarily through absentee ballots.