The November 3 election is rapidly approaching, and this election cycle will have lasting implications for Michigan’s retail industry. Every single seat in the Michigan House and Senate is up for election, in addition to open races for Governor, Attorney General, and U.S. Senate.  That makes it especially important for all of us to participate — and to be informed before we cast our ballots.

Despite the incessant spam calls, texts, and commercials, at some point, each of us has walked into a polling place knowing little about the candidates on the ballot. With so many races and issues, it can be difficult to keep up with who is running and where candidates stand on issues important to retailers.

Vote With Your Retailer Cap On_LightThat’s one reason why Michigan Retailers Association has created the Election Insight Hub.

MRA has spent considerable time surveying candidates to determine whether they will be good stewards of the retail industry if elected. The Hub includes information about MRA’s Friends of Retail program, identifies Friends of Retail by district, and summarizes top issues affecting retailers, such as dynamic pricing and organized retail crime.

For incumbents who have previously served, MRA considers their legislative voting records as part of our process. For other candidates, we asked about their views on issues important to retailers, including organized retail crime, the bottle bill, and regulations affecting businesses.

The goal is simple: give our members the information they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.

I encourage every MRA member to take a few minutes to visit the Election Insight Hub before November 3. Find out who is running in your district, learn more about the issues, and make your voice heard.

Michigan also offers several ways to vote. In addition to voting on Election Day, registered voters can vote early from October 24 through November 1 or vote by absentee ballot.
Whatever method you choose, please participate.

Be informed. Be engaged. And most importantly, for the good of retail, vote.