Jackson, MIVoter Guide 2026 · not a ballot

Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Jackson Mayor Election 2026

1 of 7

council seats up

Vote for up to 1

2 candidates

Updated Oct 5, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check →

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

Mayor · 1 seat

Voters citywide choose one of two candidates on the county's official list for mayor, a two-year term. The council's six ward seats are not on this ballot.

2 notes on these statements

The Nov. 3 ballot also has a contest for City Treasurer (David R. Hammontree and Nanette Muntin) that this guide does not cover. Jackson County Clerk · Nov 3, 2026

Voters in the city will also decide whether to amend the city charter to make the treasurer an appointed position. WKAR · Oct 3, 2026

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

Freddie Dancy1sourcedWill ForgraveCouncilmember, Ward 62sourcedAngelita GunnCouncilmember, Ward 32sourcedShalanda HuntCouncilmember, Ward 51sourcedArlene RobinsonCouncilmember, Ward 11sourcedConner WoodCouncilmember, Ward 41sourced

Start here

Match quiz4 questions · answers stay on your phoneSeat the CouncilPick winners, see the councilWhat council decidesNeighborhood streets, Violent crime and gangs, Downtown encampments and the property ordinanceKey datesDeadlines and vote centers

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Next date

Election Day (polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; absentee ballots due to the City Clerk by 8 p.m.)

Tue, Nov 3, 2026

All key dates

What the next council decides

Neighborhood streets

Where it standsAll five candidates in the August primary named roads and streets among the city's top concerns.

What's on the tableHow the city pays for and prioritizes street repair, including any borrowing for neighborhood streets.

  • MLive reported that all five primary candidates noted Jackson roads and streets are among the top concerns in the city. MLive
  • John Wilson says he would task the city manager with taking out general obligation bonds for neighborhood streets. WLNS · May 12, 2026
  • Derek Dobies says the city was built for nearly twice its current population and calls for a long-term strategy to repair and maintain roads. MLive

Violent crime and gangs

Where it standsBoth candidates name public safety a priority, with different emphases in their own answers.

What's on the tablePolice staffing and budget, and how the city balances enforcement with prevention programs.

  • Dobies says reducing serious crime requires enforcement and prevention, and calls for increased police staffing. MLive
  • Wilson names street gangs among his priorities and says gang activity should be punished first and rehabilitation provided second. MLive
  • The Sept. 16 Libertarian Party debate asked each candidate about gang violence in the city. WKHM · Sep 16, 2026

Downtown encampments and the property ordinance

Where it standsCouncil adopted an ordinance on unattended and excessive personal property in public places by a 4-3 vote in September 2026.

What's on the tableHow the ordinance is enforced and what services the city offers people experiencing homelessness.

Flock license plate cameras

Where it standsCouncil voted 5-2 in September 2026 to keep the city's 10 Flock cameras running with a federal grant.

What's on the tableWhether and on what terms the city keeps its license plate reader contract.

  • The council voted 5-2 on a memorandum of understanding with Jackson County to apply for a joint $42,271 federal grant to continue the Flock contract. MLive · Sep 9, 2026
  • Councilmembers Angelita Gunn and Will Forgrave voted against; MLive reported that previous votes on the cameras had been unanimous. MLive · Sep 9, 2026
  • The Sept. 16 debate asked each candidate how they would handle Flock cameras used by the Jackson Police Department. WKHM · Sep 16, 2026

Housing and affordability

Where it standsDobies lists affordable housing among his priorities; housing was a debate question for both candidates.

What's on the tableCity policy and partnerships on housing development and costs for residents.

  • Dobies says his goal as mayor includes continuing to build out affordable housing while lowering costs for residents. WILX · Jul 31, 2026
  • The Sept. 16 debate asked the candidates about housing within the City of Jackson. WKHM · Sep 16, 2026

Who matches you?

Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.

  1. 1. How should Jackson pay for repairing neighborhood streets?

  2. 2. What should be the city's main approach to violent crime?

  3. 3. How should the city handle homeless encampments downtown?

  4. 4. What role should the city play in affordable housing?

Seat the Council →

Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.

Key dates

  • Election Day (polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; absentee ballots due to the City Clerk by 8 p.m.)City of JacksonNov 3, 2026

The seat math

6 stay (not up this year): Freddie Dancy, Will Forgrave, Angelita Gunn, Shalanda Hunt, Arlene Robinson, Conner Wood1 on this ballot

7 council seats. The council decides by a 4-vote majority.

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