Michigan voters are frustrated with the political status quo—will swing voters decide the 2024 election?
The Big Picture
Michigan voters are heading into the 2024 election with deep dissatisfaction toward both major parties and their candidates. 77% of Michigan voters view the current political climate negatively, and majorities believe neither Democrats nor Republicans have chosen their best candidate for the presidency.
While Joe Biden currently holds a slight lead over Donald Trump in the state, 10% of voters remain undecided or open to changing their minds. With key issues like immigration and the economy driving voter sentiment, Michigan’s swing voters will ultimately decide which way the state leans in November.
Zooming In
Dissatisfaction with candidates and parties
When asked, “Do you feel the Democrats have chosen their best candidate for the upcoming election?” 55% of Michigan voters said no. Similarly, 57% of voters felt the Republicans had also failed to choose the best candidate.
This widespread discontent reflects a broader national trend. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that:
- Only 16% of Americans say they trust the federal government always or most of the time.
- 28% of Americans hold unfavorable views of both major parties, the highest in three decades.
- 25% of Americans say neither party represents them well.
With both parties failing to energize their bases, Michigan voters are looking for alternatives—and many remain undecided about which direction to take.
Voters rank key issues for 2024
When asked “What is the most pressing issue in America today?” Michigan voters overwhelmingly pointed to two priorities:
- Immigration (23%)
- Jobs and the economy (22%)
These concerns outpaced other key issues like:
- Taxes (9%)
- Abortion (6%)
- National security (6%)
- Police reform (2%)
Gallup’s recent polling confirms that concerns about immigration have grown significantly in the past year, especially among Democrats and Independents.
With economic concerns and immigration at the forefront, candidates who fail to address these issues head-on risk losing Michigan’s critical swing voters.
Michigan’s vote hangs on undecided voters
In our survey, Biden currently leads Trump 42% to 39%, with 14% of voters saying they would vote for an Independent or third-party candidate.
However, when asked “Do you expect in the course of the presidential election campaign you might change your mind about the presidential candidate you will vote for?”
- 10% of Michigan voters said they might change their mind.
- These undecided voters could shift the election outcome in Michigan.
This means the Michigan race is still very much up for grabs. With tight margins, the candidate who can effectively address voter concerns—especially on affordability, immigration, and the economy—will have the best chance of securing the state in November.
Independent Lens
Michigan voters are frustrated with both major parties and are searching for better leadership. A growing share of voters are identifying as Independents or expressing dissatisfaction with their traditional party affiliations.
With immigration and the economy as top concerns, candidates must go beyond partisan rhetoric and present clear, common-sense solutions to earn Michigan’s undecided voters.
If candidates fail to address these priorities, Michigan voters could break away from the two-party system, shaping the election outcome in unexpected ways.
Join the movement to stay informed and make your voice heard in the 2024 election.
