Ford and Carter Foundations Launch Nonpartisan Election Observation in Michigan

On February 24, 2026, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and The Carter Center announced a partnership to observe Michigan’s midterm elections scheduled for November 3, 2026. The collaboration aims to provide nonpartisan oversight of the election process in the state.

The Ford-Carter Election Observation Network (FCEON) will focus on monitoring key phases of the election cycle in Michigan. The initiative is designed to assess the quality of the election and promote transparency and trust among voters.

As part of the program, Michigan residents will be trained and supported to serve as nonpartisan election observers across the state. These observers will use structured forms and standardized tools to impartially document how election laws and procedures are implemented at polling locations.

The Carter Center, which was founded in 1982 by former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter, is a nonprofit organization that works to advance peace, democracy, and health globally. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, established in 1981 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was created by President Ford to promote awareness of his legacy and values.

What the numbers show

• The partnership was announced on February 24, 2026
• Michigan’s midterm elections will take place on November 3, 2026
• The Ford Presidential Foundation was founded on September 18, 1981
• The Carter Center was established in 1982

Jason Carter, chair of The Carter Center’s board of trustees, stated that the new partnership continues the tradition of bipartisan cooperation between his grandfather, Jimmy Carter, and President Gerald Ford. He emphasized the historical context of collaboration between the two former presidents.

Michael Ford, a board member of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and son of President Ford, said the Foundation supports this nonpartisan initiative. He stated that the effort is intended to help ensure that election outcomes accurately reflect the choices of Michigan voters.

The FCEON initiative will use standardized observation methods to document the conduct of the election. The program’s approach is intended to provide impartial information about the implementation of election laws and procedures throughout the state.

Both organizations have experience in promoting democratic values and transparency. Their joint effort in Michigan’s 2026 midterm elections represents a procedural step to support public confidence in the electoral process.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.