The Final Stretch

Written By Deborah Broder

Game Changers Dispatch
October 2026

We Did It!
Our leadership team is thrilled to share that we’ve surpassed our ambitious $100,000 goal. Whether you’ve been with our Giving Circle for years or just joined us, your support means so much to our democracy.

We met our goal, but we’re not stopping. Michigan’s progressive state legislative candidates will need every dollar until Election Day to finish strong. But we wanted to take a moment to thank you and celebrate this success.

If you want to help even further, or know others who may want to support The States Project’s (TSP) work in Michigan, please send them to Game Changers. Matching dollars are available until TSP’s final $500,000 grant is spoken for. There’s no stopping us!

News from Michigan
Heavy media coverage of Michigan’s US House and Senate primaries is expected to help boost turnout for down‑ballot legislative races. Turnout may also rise due to a statewide ballot measure banning political contributions from majority utility companies and government contractors. The lead group is Yes on Proposal 2 | Michiganders for Money Out of Politics.

Despite media attention on Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates—and likely Republican messaging around them—our Giving Circle focuses on battleground swing districts where races are decided by just a few votes. Our endorsed candidates must appeal to both moderate and progressive voters, centering their platforms on everyday issues rather than national or international events.

For details on candidates we’re supporting and TSP’s analysis of districts in play, click here.

For more on Michigan’s political landscape, visit Michigan Public.

A Voter’s Guide for November
In a major loss for voters, the Supreme Court will allow states to purge voter rolls of noncitizens using the SAVE database, a software system that is unreliable and poses privacy and security risks. Officials have already found it inaccurately identifies some eligible voters as noncitizens. 

This decision is not expected to have a major impact on the midterms, but we must win BIG in November to begin reversing the multifront assault on voting rights.

Make Your Plan Now
Click here for your state’s voting information: All States’ Early Voting Dates Chart | U.S. Vote Foundation. Vote as early as possible—an early ballot can’t be disrupted by last‑minute changes. Get your facts from official state and county election sites.  Share widely with your family and friends and encourage them to make a plan to vote.

Get in the Game

 • Sign up to work the polls at Power the Polls.

 • Sign up to watch the polls at Protect the Vote.

 • Sign up to drive voters at Rideshare2Vote.

Whatever lane you pick, doing something beats doing nothing. Action is the antidote to anxiety!

Stand With Your Neighbors
Protecting the vote means showing up for each other. Speak up against misinformation, support local election officials, and help ensure every eligible voter is heard.

Game Changers — don’t sit this one out! Now is our time to make a difference.

Onward to November!

Hope. Engage. Vote. 
The Game Changers Giving Circle is a community rooted in action, inclusion, and impact. And we remain determined and undeterred!

Deborah Broder
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Crucial times call for Action