In a poll conducted by EPIC-MRA, released to the Detroit Free Press and other news outlets Thursday morning, Romney is shown with a 1 percent lead over Obama, with 46 percent favoring Romney.

The results likely are indicative of voters disapproving of the president’s job performance.

Despite the poll showing Romney with a slim lead for the upcoming election, the Free Press also reports that 46 percent of Michiganians said they have a favorable opinion of Obama, compared to 41 percent for Romney.

According to EPIC co-founder John Cavanagh, pro-Romney ads have been critical of Obama’s job performance and led to his declining ratings.

About 43 percent view Romney unfavorably, according to the Free Press.

Thursday’s poll contradicts a survey released last week by Public Policy Polling, or PPP, that shows Obama taking a widening lead over Romney in Michigan, 53 percent to 38 percent.

Dean Debnam, president of Public Policy Polling, said right now, Obama looks to be a safe bet to win Michigan in November.

“Voters trust Obama more on the auto industry and don’t feel much of a personal connection to Romney despite his roots in the state,” he said.

According to the poll results, respondents said they do not view Romney as a native Michiganian, which could harm him further in the general election. They also disagree with his approach to the auto industry bailouts, which is a key issue in the state.

Political science professor Corwin Smidt said in a previous interview that results in Michigan likely will determine the overall results, considering how close Michigan’s polls have been this year.

Smidt said Romney’s roots in Michigan are not likely to help him come the election because it has been so long since he’s lived here, and most of it is just talk. Romney is more likely to win Wisconsin, a heavier swing state, he said.

Michigan has not voted Republican in more than 20 years, but the recent polls show neither Obama nor Romney is a complete hit with the state’s voters.