For the first time ever, the United States presidential election will be held exclusively in a single state. Congress announced yesterday that the state of Michigan will be the site of this year’s race. This decision means that only residents of Michigan will be allowed to cast a ballot for president.
Michigan’s bid to hold the vote beat out bids from nearly a dozen other states, including Iowa, Nevada and Florida. The Great Lakes state was ultimately chosen as most likely to provide a close race. “I’m pleased to have secured this wonderful opportunity for the people of the great state of Michigan,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). “We’re looking forward to making this year’s election a great one.”
The two major candidates, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, flew into Detroit last night and are not expected to leave the state of Michigan at any point until after the election is over. Both men were spotted this morning dressed head to toe in Detroit Lions apparel, preparing for their first campaign events. Millions of dollars have already been spent on television ads for the two candidates, which are expected to make up more than half of total TV ads seen by Michiganders. At press time, both candidates had also expressed interest in constructing a wall at Michigan’s southern border with Ohio.
This change to the election format was created by the 28th Amendment to the Constitution, passed in response to criticisms that the election process has grown too costly in recent years. “Over $4 billion was spent on the 2020 election,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). “That’s a lot of money that could be going to better causes.” Now, presidential candidates will only have to spend money in one state.
“By cutting the voting back from 50 states to one,” said Klobuchar, “candidates may only need to use half of the funds for their campaigns.” Support for the amendment was high among members of both parties. “That money could do so much for our country,” said Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) “Maybe it could fund Trump’s legal debts.”
Experts believe the one-state format could also drive voter turnout up to 65%, which would be the highest figure for a presidential race in over a century.
Not everyone is thrilled about this year’s election being limited to Michigan. A small demonstration was held in Chicago, in protest against the new system. “This is ridiculous,” said activist Polly Tix. “Our votes here in Illinois never really mattered, but at least we could tell ourselves we were making a difference. Now we can’t even do that!” Tix had previously advocated for a national popular vote, but now would be content to see the old system return. “At least there is an election,” she said. “My sister lives in Michigan, so I have that going for me.”
No state is more disappointed by the decision than Iowa. Traditionally one of the most important battleground states, the Hawkeye State was ruled out early due to its relative lack of large cities and racial diversity. The state’s governor, Republican Kim Reynolds, announced an alternate election for Iowa residents soon after the Michigan decision was released. “It is our right as Iowans to decide America’s next president,” said Reynolds. “We will hold our own vote, regardless of what the federal government thinks.” Reynolds added that only registered Republicans would be eligible to vote in the alternate election.
Despite the criticism, much of Congress believes they are making the right choice limiting the presidential election to a single state. “This is democracy the way the Founding Fathers intended it,” said Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.). “Our elections have changed drastically throughout our history, and this is just the next logical step.”