Michigan is one of a minority of states that still uses a straight-ticket device on general election ballots. Such devices permit a voter to make one mark on a ballot, so that the voter has then automatically voted for each of that party’s nominees. Straight-ticket devices make it possible for a voter to vote in all partisan offices without even looking to see who is running.
The Detroit Free Press of April 23 has this op-ed, defending the straight-ticket device. It is by Mark Brewer, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. The op-ed says that 40% of Michigan’s voters use the device.