Adam Rayes

1 month ago | michiganpublic.org | Michelle Jokisch Polo |Adam Rayes

As more voters use absentee ballots, Grand Rapids officials are considering a plan to redraw the city’s voting map, shrinking the number of precincts. Some residents are worried that chopping up and combining existing precincts will disenfranchise voters, particularly in the city’s third ward. A Michigan Public analysis of the proposed changes found the distance between polling places and farthest edges of most precincts would shorten or remain roughly similar. Some would increase slightly.

Mar 7, 2025 | michiganpublic.org | Adam Rayes

Michigan’s immigrant population has been small compared to other states, even though the state annually takes in some of the most refugees and temporary visa workers. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Michigan and Ohio has historically contributed little to national immigration enforcement totals. Four Michigan county jails let ICE use their facilities to detain immigrants. Data only gives a small glimpse into the number of people detained each year – and many may be from out of state.

Feb 18, 2025 | greatlakesnow.org | Michigan Public |Adam Rayes |Sarah Cwiek

February 18, 2025 By Adam Yahya Rayes and Sarah Cwiek, Michigan PublicThe Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS, Michigan Public and  who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

Nov 7, 2024 | michiganpublic.org | Adam Rayes

In Michigan, almost all election votes have been counted and tabulated. There was a shift and change in votes from 2020 and 2016 to this 2024 election. Michigan Public’s Data Reporter, Adam Yahya Rayes, joined Stateside for a debrief on the 2024 election results, and how voters moved this presidential election cycle. According to Rayes, Michigan did have a record number of voters this election year compared to 2020. However, it wasn't a large increase on the whole.

Nov 7, 2024 | michiganpublic.org | Adam Rayes

Nearly 30% of Michigan’s voters turned in their ballots by mail or at a dropbox this election. Sometimes, those ballots get rejected. Absentee ballot rejections were pretty rare in the last two general elections. There are a few issues that can cause rejections, like ballots being turned in late or voters moving after turning a ballot in. Rejections are usually too few to make a difference in statewide presidential or Senate races.