GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — On Tuesday, voters will decide whether Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump will become the 47th President of the United States. Michigan is set to play a critical role in the race as a swing state.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined 13 ON YOUR SIDE on Monday to discuss how Michigan could impact the election and to encourage voters to head to the polls.
Although Michigan previously was a Democratic stronghold—part of the so-called "Blue Wall"—the state has become more purple in recent election cycles. In 2016, Michigan turned red for the first time in nearly three decades, but flipped again for President Joe Biden in 2020.
Now, polls are showing the margins between Trump and Harris are razor-thin in Michigan. Gov. Whitmer said that's to be expected.
"We're going to play a big role in this election, just like we do every election," she said. "I think the only people who aren't surprised this is close are us."
Because Michigan voters will likely have a large say in who becomes the next president, Gov. Whitmer is urging anyone who hasn't voted yet to do so.
"We've got, you know, very thoughtful people who are used to having close races here, and these last minute visits are really important, but our voices are outsized, and that's why we want everyone to get out and vote tomorrow who has not yet cast their ballot," she said.
Whitmer also emphasized that the state's elections are secure.
"One of the great things about Michigan is, no matter if we've got Republican, independent or Democratic clerks and secretaries of state, we have boasted secure, safe and fair elections my whole lifetime," Gov. Whitmer said. "So that will continue to be the case."
Whitmer said she expects to have Michigan's results finalized by Wednesday.
This is the first general election that Michigan held early in-person voting, with many areas holding nine days for voters to cast their ballot in person. The final day to do so was Sunday—and in Michigan, over 1 million votes were cast early during that period.
Gov. Whitmer said state officials are glad to see people taking advantage of early voting. She said her team will be looking at more ways to engage voters and make casting a ballot easier following this election.
This comes as both Trump and Harris are wrapping up their campaigns in Michigan. Trump will speak at Van Andel Arena Monday night while vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will appear in Detroit.
If you haven't voted yet, you can find everything you need to know in our voter guide here.