Support Nonpartisan Elections
Yes to Prop C

Because Democracy Without Voters Is Backwards 🔄

Our decisive August primaries are broken and exclude the vast majority of voters. Only about 17% of eligible voters participate, and just 12% determine the outcome. In this year’s primary, it was even worse—less than 3.5% of voters cast a ballot for city council, and only 12 people voted at the Michigan Student Union.

In the past 50 city council races, the primary winner has lost just once. This makes August primaries the real election before most people even vote. Ann Arbor is one of only two Michigan cities still using outdated partisan elections.

Let’s move away from low-turnout partisan primaries to a system with real voter choice, where local voices are prioritized over party labels. Voters benefit when the focus is where it belongs—on local issues, local ideas, local options, and local solutions. Voters deserve an electoral system that benefits us, not elected officials.

🚨 GEO's SOLIDARITY AND POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE ENDORSES PROP C!

“It’s becoming increasingly impossible for those who work here to live here. We need representatives who will truly advocate for the interests of workers, renters, and students. Vote yes on Prop C to have a voice in Ann Arbor politics and advocate for the changes you deserve.” (More on Facebook, Insta, and X)

Why do we have partisan city elections now?

Ann Arbor’s partisan elections are an outdated relic of the past. Decades ago, the city had several active political parties, including the two main parties, the Human Rights Party, the Green Party, and the Libertarian Party; three or more partisan candidates would appear on the November ballot. Today, Ann Arbor is a solidly Democratic city and our partisan local election system is no longer relevant. Low-turnout August primaries choose the candidate who almost always appears on the November ballot unopposed. In recent years, a majority of city council twice voted to allow the community to consider nonpartisan election reform.

Twice the mayor vetoed an opportunity for the community to decide.

What exactly are Nonpartisan Elections?

Nonpartisan elections have been a mainstay of progressive municipal government since the late 19th century. Only 7 of the 30 largest US cities continue to hold partisan elections.

Proposal C will end the low-turnout August partisan primary. Instead, all candidates who qualify will appear on the November ballot without a party label.

Nonpartisan elections mean candidates focus on local issues and are more transparent about where they stand on matters that concern voters. While candidates may still seek partisan endorsement, voters will be able to make well-informed decisions and not rely on a party label. Nonpartisan elections will put more candidates before more voters in November. Candidates vetted by more of our community will be more representative of our community.

Help support the effort

This is a movement of Ann Arborites who care about strong democratic participation, good governance, and Ann Arbor’s future. More than 150 volunteer canvassers and active supporters gathered more than 5,800 qualified signatures for each proposal - and we need your support.

Yes to Prop C Yard Sign

More than 150 grassroots volunteers worked together to get this question on the ballot, voters now get to decide.

Proudly endorsed by those who support nonpartisan dialogue, community engagement, accountability, and responsive government reforms:

*Titles and organizational affiliations are for identification purposes only. The views expressed by individuals endorsing Democracy for Everyone & the Vote YES on Prop C campaign do not reflect the views of any organization.

Voters will also decide whether to institute Michigan’s first local Small-Donor Matching Fund in Ann Arbor.