Dearborn residents head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, with a $1.5 billion school bond, a U.S. Senate race and two statewide ballot proposals on the ballot.

Early voting wrapped up Sunday, Nov. 1. Mayor Abdullah Hammoud reported in a post on X that Dearborn recorded 9,183 early votes, up from 7,551 in November 2024. That represents an increase of about 22%, based on the figures he provided.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters in line by closing time can vote, according to the Michigan Department of State. Eligible residents can register in person at the Dearborn City Clerk’s Office through 8 p.m. on Election Day with proof of residency, according to the city’s election page.

City Clerk George Darany said in an October statement that early voting was intended to help more eligible citizens participate. Voters can check their assigned polling place at Michigan.gov/Vote or on their Dearborn voter registration card.

What’s on the ballot

Dearborn Public Schools has the largest school bond proposal on the ballot statewide, Bridge Michigan reported.

The plan would carry out construction over 20 years, including six new pre-K through eighth-grade schools, major work at the remaining elementary and middle schools, and extensive renovations at Fordson, Dearborn and Edsel Ford high schools, according to the district’s project announcement. The proposal also includes secure entrances at 24 schools. District voters in Dearborn and part of Dearborn Heights will decide the measure.

The bond’s estimated first-year tax rate is 3.14 mills. The district says Dearborn homeowners’ combined city and school tax rate would remain unchanged, with the district waiving its 2.18-mill operating levy on primary residences if the bond passes. A separate 0.96-mill city sewer levy is ending regardless of the outcome.

For Dearborn Heights homeowners, the bond would add 0.96 mill after the operating-tax offset. However, a separate billing correction complicates comparisons with this year’s bills. Businesses and rental properties would not receive the homeowner operating-tax offset, according to the district’s bond FAQ.

Statewide races

Michigan voters will also elect a governor, U.S. senator and state lawmakers.

The major-party Senate candidates are Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers, according to the state’s official candidate list. They are seeking the seat held by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. The race could help determine control of the Senate.

Two statewide proposals are also before voters.

Proposal 1 asks whether elected delegates should meet in 2027 to draft a revised state constitution. Any proposed revision would require a later public vote, according to the official ballot language.

Proposal 2 would restrict certain campaign contributions by regulated electric and gas utilities, government contractors receiving more than $250,000 annually and connected people and organizations. It would also expand disclosure requirements for political communications, according to the same document.

As of Oct. 27, nearly 1.4 million Michigan residents had voted absentee or early in person, approximately 19% of active registered voters, Bridge Michigan reported.

Dearborn voters returning absentee ballots locally should deliver them to the clerk’s office or a city drop box by 8 p.m. Tuesday. The city’s election notice lists six secure drop boxes.