Residents of Detroit have begun casting their votes in early voting ahead of the August 5 primary elections. Polling centers officially opened on Saturday, July 26, offering voters a convenient opportunity to choose their preferred candidates without the rush of Election Day.
According to Daniel Baxter, Director of Election Operations, at least 279 early ballots had been submitted by noon on July 28. The city expects to receive between 1,250 and 1,750 ballots by the end of the early voting period. More than 100,000 absentee ballots were mailed out, with 35,831 already returned — indicating growing interest in early participation.
Turnout projections suggest that 13% to 18% of voters may participate this year — a rate comparable to previous municipal primaries in 2017 (14%) and 2021 (13%).
Early voting ends on Sunday, August 3, after which voting will continue at official polling stations on primary day.
A Competitive Mayoral Race
The election comes amid an intense contest to replace current Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running for Governor of Michigan. Nine prominent candidates are vying for the mayoral seat:
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Mary Sheffield, Detroit City Council President
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Saunteel Jenkins, former nonprofit executive
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Fred Durhal, city council member
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James Craig, former Detroit Police Chief
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Todd Perkins, well-known attorney
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Solomon Kinloch Jr., local pastor
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Joel Hashem, businessman
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Jonathan Barlow, entrepreneur
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Danetta Simpson, community advocate
Candidate Saunteel Jenkins officially launched her campaign by casting her vote Monday morning, accompanied by her husband Carl Bentley in a symbolic gesture of commitment.
Arab Americans and the 2025 Detroit Elections
Detroit is home to one of the largest Arab American communities in the United States. While no Arab American is running directly for mayor, the community is expected to play an influential role in the primary by supporting inclusive candidates who reflect their social and economic concerns — including discrimination, public safety, and job opportunities.
Among the mayoral candidates, Joel Hashem, a businessman with a platform centered on crime reduction, affordable housing, reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals, and population growth, has drawn significant interest from Arab American voters.
Additionally, Danetta Simpson, though not of Arab descent, comes from a family with historic ties to the Arab community. Her focus on infrastructure, education, and neighborhood development resonates strongly with Arab American priorities.
This growing political engagement highlights how Arab Americans in Detroit are asserting their voice and values in local politics — not only as voters but as active contributors to shaping the city’s future.