Detroit Federation of Teachers

DFT Townhall Forum

The DFT was proud to host a townhall to discuss the upcoming general election, There was information presented about voting rights, misinformation and why it's important to vote. GET OUT THE VOTE!

Red for Ed Canvassing

DFT President, Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins joins AFT members for canvassing. GET OUT THE VOTE!

Listening to Obama

President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins was invited to hear Barack Obama speak at Cass Tech High School. The former president rallied on behalf of the blue ticket.

Solidarity Wednesday at Western

The DFT president and EVP pose with Western HS members wearing their RED FOR ED Solidarity Wednesday.

Official List of Candidates for DFT Biennial Election 2027-2029

The DFT Election Committee has announced the official list of candidates for the 2027-2029 Biennial Election of Officers, Executive Board Members, and Trustees.

Please direct any questions you have to the DFT Election Committee at dft231ec@gmail.com.

DFT Mourns the Passing of Delores Huerta

The DFT joins the nation in expressing condolences to the family of Dolores Huerta, who passed on Wednesday, October 28th, 2026, at the age of 96. Dolores Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers union alongside Cesar Chavez to improve working conditions in the nation's fruit and vegetable fields. Huerta is one of the nation's most influential labor leaders, civil rights icons and feminist activists. Her three-word Spanish-language slogan — which translates to "Yes, it can be done" — was grounded in the belief that people could affect change.

The DFT was proud to be in attendance at the 2026 AFT national convention when Dolores Huerta was honored with the AFT lifetime achievement award. You can view her acceptance speech here: Dolores Huerta AFT 2026.

Her legacy will never be forgotten and it is up to us to continue her fight for workers' rights and injustices for all.

JOIN US AT THE DFT TOWNHALL FORUM

The DFT is hosting a Let's Get Out the Vote townhall forum this week. The date and time is on Wednesday, October 28th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.

Please note- you must register in advance for this webinar by clicking here: DFT TOWNHALL FORUM REGISTRATION

Know Your Voting Rights

GET OUT THE VOTE

Many elections are decided by just a few votes, make sure your voice is heard!

VOTER PROTECTION HOTLINE IN ENGLISH
866-OUR-VOTE
1-866-687-8683

VOTER PROTECTION HOTLINE IN SPANISH
888-VE-Y-VOTA
1-888-839-8682

No Intimidation

You cannot be threatened, harassed or coerced at any point in the voting process. Report incidents to a poll worker immediately and call or text the Election Protection Hotline:
1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683 (English) | 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682 (Spanish)

No Discrimination

If anyone tries to stop you from voting because of who you are, what language you speak or your disability, ask for help immediately.

Provisional Ballot

You have the right to cast a provisional ballot if your name is not on the voter rolls, your eligibility is challenged or there is a problem with your identification. Do not leave without voting.

Accessibility

Polling places must be accessible to voters with disabilities or provide an alternative way to vote. Voters who need assistance because of a disability or inability to read or write may have someone to help them.

Language Assistance

Voters have the right to language assistance, often including translated materials or help from poll workers. Ask a poll worker what assistance is available in your language.

Fix Mistakes

If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a replacement ballot before you cast it.

Secret and Secure Ballot

No one can require you to show your ballot, tell them how you voted or watch you cast your vote. If this occurs, report it to a poll worker immediately and call the Election Protection Hotline.

Stay in Line

If you are in line when polls close, stay in line—you must be allowed to vote.

If something feels wrong, ask for help.

DFT General Election Endorsements 2026

Statewide Ballot Proposal Position
- Proposal 2026-1 (A proposal to convene a constitutional convention for the purpose of drafting a general revision of the state constitution) - NO
AFT Michigan 2026 Endorsed Candidates (This list includes federal, state and some municipalities-level elections) https://aftmichigan.org/2026-endorsed-candidates/
Michigan AFL-CIO 2026 Endorsed Candidates (This list includes federal, state and some municipalities-level elections) https://miaflcio.vote/endorsements/
DPSCD School Board 2026 Endorsed Candidates
- Bessie Harris
- Theodore Jones
- Jameel Montgomery Smith
- Terry Whitfield

DFT Fall 2026 Election Details

From the DFT Election Committee:

Here are the details for the upcoming election for DFT:

Nominations are open until the end of the general membership meeting on October 8th, 2026.

The election will run to Monday, November 16th until Friday, November 20th.

Please refer to the election calendar for further procedures and details.

DFT FALL 2026 ELECTION CALENDAR

DFT FALL 2026 ELECTION NOMINATION FORM