Joe Biden makes an appearance in Lansing before election

The Democratic rally got started an hour and a half late, but local residents patiently awaited Former Vice President Joe Biden’s arrival. “It’s been a rough couple of months,” Biden said. “Folks, we’ve gotta turn this around”. Democrats Gretchen Whitmer and Elissa Slotkin were among the candidates attending the rally at Lansing Community College. “I am running because it is time for a new generations of leaders,” Slotkin said.

Crowds gather to see Obama before midterm election

When in downtown Detroit, you’d expect the Little Caesars Arena to be full of life. Instead, the huge crowd packed into Cass Technical High School just down the road. “We’re really excited so glad he came for this,” event go-er, Bridgette Huff, said. 

In the cold and in the rain, people waited. “This is the first time I am able to get out and see him,” rally attendee, Donna Penick, said. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that she will never forget. 

The star of this show was President Barack Obama, who landed in Michigan to support its Democratic candidates like the Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. 

“We’re not gonna fix everything because of one election but, here’s what will happen, if you vote, things will get better,” President Obama said.

Watch Focal Point: Special Election Coverage

On this special election episode of Focal Point News, we break down everything leading up one of the most anticipated midterm election in years. From campaign trails to ballot proposals, Focal Point dissects each candidate, their values and what they would bring to Michigan’s leadership. The state was star-studded the weeks leading up to the election with appearances from past and present government officials including Vice President Mike Pence and former President Barack Obama. Some of the proposals on the ballot this year revolved around gerrymandering, the legalization of recreational marijuana and easier voting registration. All this and more on this election edition of Focal Point News.

Anti-gerrymandering effort appears headed for passage

Michigan appears headed toward a new process to draw political boundaries in the state. Proposal 2 would create an independent commission to draw districts for Michigan legislative and congressional offices. Proponents for the measure said the state had fallen victim to gerrymandering, a process by which voting districts are drawn in a way that secures seats for incumbents and their party.