Michigan stays blue

On November 6, many Americans rushed to polling places to vote for the new President of the United States, who will take office in January 2013. For a candidate to win, he has to get 270 of 538 total votes. Many states are neck-and-neck. Pundits identify Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Virginia, New Hampshire, and Ohio as crucial swing state.

Although Michigan isn’t considered a swing state in this election, and is predicted to be “blue” at the end of the night, Michigan voters could surprise the country due to Republican nominee, Mitt Romney’s, connection to the Great Lakes State. Republican Mitt Romney’s father, George Romney, served as the 43rd governor in Michigan from 1963-1969. Much like his father, Romney has a business background and he is hoping to win in Michigan this year like his father did in 1963.

In Michigan, voting is running smoothly despite large voter turn-out. Two-thirds of the Michigan voting population is predicted to cast their ballot this election.  Whoever wins Michigan will earn 16 electoral votes. Polling places in Michigan close at 9 pm, and NBC News called the state for President Barack Obama.

This year 60 percent of the Americans voters said that the economy was the biggest issue for the next President to address. Out of the economical problems, people said that unemployment was a HUGE problem and that this problem should be addressed quickly. Both of the issues are important to Michigan voters. The auto industry bail-out during Obama’s first term was seen by many in the state as a good policy.

—Kid Reporter Molly Pribble