Outcome of the Michigan Primary

Primary season is in full swing and it has reached our home state of Michigan. On Tuesday, February 27th, the Michigan presidential primary elections were held. Nearly two million Michiganders went to the voting booth to support their candidate in their bid for their party’s presidential nomination. The quick results are: President Joe Biden was allocated 115 delegates, former President Donald Trump was allocated 12 delegates, and former Governor Nikki Haley was allocated 4 delegates. However, there is more to the results than meets the eye.

Starting with the Republican primary. Trump garnered 68.1% of the vote while Haley received 26.6%. While this seems like a massive blowout there is more to the story. In a poll conducted prior to the primary, Emerson College found that among 486 likely voters, Trump would receive 76% of the vote and Haley would receive 24%. While such a sample size is not necessarily reflective of everyone voting it does display how the candidates were seen by some likely voters. A much stronger showing for Nikki Haley was seen when people went to polls on Tuesday. While she only received 2.6% more of the vote than the poll predicted, Trump received much less than predicted. Showing that his support may be dwindling with his many court cases and public image. There was also an uncommitted vote of 3% which is another good sign for the Haley campaign. This is exactly what Haley wanted to see on Tuesday. Winning the primary was a dream but a lessening of support amongst the Republican base was definitely a goal of hers, and on Tuesday this goal was achieved.

On the democratic side of things, President Biden easily won the Democratic primary with a strong 81.1% of the vote. However there was a movement amongst democrats who oppose his support for Israel in their war against Hamas to vote uncommitted in the primary. The uncommitted vote received 13% of the vote and 2 of the 117 delegates. For historical context, in 2012 when former President Barack Obama won the presidency and received nearly 90% of the democratic primary vote in Michigan the uncommitted vote received nearly 11% of the vote. This is not an unprecedented vote count but does show warning signs for Biden. However, he still received an overwhelming majority of the democratic vote.

All in all, the results are what we expected but if you look at the details there is more to the story. All eyes now shift focus to super tuesday where a whopping 15 states hold elections and one territory as well.

Sources

SAM OSTROW

Former Writer at The City Voice | 4th in the Nation for Junior High Story of the Year | MIPA Honorable Mention Award Winner

Hi! My name is Sam Ostrow and I am a Junior at City High School. This is my fourth year writing for The City Voice. I enjoy sports, debate, and playing guitar. If you have any questions about my articles, feel free to email me at ostrow-s@students.grps.org