Voters throughout mid-Michigan have started receiving their absentee ballots ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
While the races for Michigan’s federal and statewide offices gain national attention, decisions closer to home will impact many mid-Michigan voters.
That includes millages funding schools, roads and public safety, amendments to city charters and candidates for top city offices.
These are some of the key races and questions voters will decide on their ballots.
HOW MILLAGES ARE CALCULATED
A mill is $1 per $1,000 of taxable property value. If your house has a taxable value of $50,000 and a millage of 1 mill is levied, you would pay about $50 per year.
But the rates approved by voters aren’t permanent.
The Headlee Amendment to the Michigan Constitution limits how much localities’ property tax revenue can grow each year, capping the increase at 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. If the value of existing properties grows faster than the rate of inflation, local governments are required to reduce millages from their originally approved rates.
Under the amendment, schools are limited to levying property taxes on non-homestead properties, such as businesses and vacation homes, at a maximum rate of 18 mills. Some districts request higher millages to provide a buffer against future rollbacks, ensuring they continue to receive the full statutory rate of 18 mills even as the approved rate is chipped away over time.
INGHAM COUNTY
Former Lansing NAACP President Harold Pope of Holt is seeking to represent the 74th House District as a Democrat. The seat is currently held by Democrats, but state Rep. Kara Hope of Holt is not seeking re-election. Pope will face Republican nominee Clinton Tarver of Lansing.
In the 73rd House District, state Rep. Julie Brixie, a Democrat from Okemos, is facing a challenge from Republican nominee Joshua Jon Rockey of Webberville.
Three candidates are seeking two seats on the Lansing Community College Board of Trustees. Incumbents Hope Lovell and LaShunda Thomas are joined on the ballot by Dominica Palacio.
Eight non-partisan candidates are vying for four seats on the Mason City Council as a potential data center development has sent shockwaves through local politics in the city. The candidates are Leon Clark, Kelly Hannon, Rex Hauser, Robin Case Naeyaert, Shawn Sodman, Mike Waltz and incumbents Jon Droscha and Jerry Schaffer.
Incumbent Mason City Councilmember Elaine Ferris will also have to defend her seat after residents successfully organized a recall. She will face Daniel Giganti and Pamela Oliver.
Voters in the city of Lansing will be asked to renew a millage funding essential city services, including police and fire protection and maintenance of roads and sidewalks, at a restored rate of 20 mills, which has been reduced under millage rollbacks required by the Michigan Constitution.
Lansing voters will also be asked whether the city should establish a Citizens’ Advisory Healthcare Action Board that would be tasked with creating a Lansing Health Action Plan and making recommendations to address healthcare costs and accessibility. Efforts for the proposal were led by a mystery nonprofit organizing similar proposals in several Michigan cities who will not have to report their donors, even while attacking Republican candidates for office.
The nonprofit organized a similar proposal in East Lansing, where voters will also decide whether to amend the city charter to create the advisory group that would make non-binding recommendations to City Council. The committee would gather public testimony and analyze data to assess the impact of federal, state and local policies on healthcare costs and accessibility.
Another petition-initiated charter amendment in East Lansing would move all city elections to even years. Doing so would extend the terms of current officeholders by one year. Even if the proposal passes, City Council would have to take action to finalize the change in election dates.
Other proposed amendments to the East Lansing City Charter would allow the police chief, city clerk and city attorney to appoint designees to attend City Council meetings and perform some duties, like approving meeting minutes and city contracts.
Road construction will be on the ballot in the city of Leslie, where the city is seeking a new millage at a rate of $5 per $1,000 of taxable property value for a period of 20 years, through 2046. If approved by voters, the millage would raise an estimated $284,245.40 in the first year.
In Delhi Township, funding for first responders will be on the ballot. A millage for fire protection and emergency medical services would be restored to its original rate of 1.5 mills and renewed for eight years, through 2033. A separate millage for police services would also be restored to its original rate of 1.5 mills and renewed for eight years, through 2033. Each millage would raise more than $1.8 million in the first year.
Funding for police and fire protection services are also up for a vote in Meridian Township as a single millage, which would be renewed at its rolled back rate of 1.4563 mills for a period of 10 years, through 2036. The millage would raise about $3.7 million in 2027.
A millage to fund park development, maintenance and operations in Meridian Township is also up for renewal at its rolled back rate of 0.6503 mills for a period of 10 years, through 2035. The millage would raise about $1.6 million in its first year.
Dansville Schools is seeking to renew its operating millage at a rate of 19.5798 mills, which would be levied at the maximum statutory rate of 18 mills, for a period of 10 years, through 2037. The millage would raise approximately $1.1 million in its first year being renewed.
Holt Public Schools is similarly seeking to renew its operating millage at a rate of 18.6176 mills for a period of 10 years, through 2036. The 0.6176 would only be levied to the extent necessary to offset reductions, keeping the collection at its full statutory rate of 18 mills.
Note: The 22nd Senate District described in the Livingston County section also includes portions of Ingham, Shiawassee, Genesee and Oakland Counties.
The 28th Senate District described in the Clinton County section also includes portions of Ingham County and Shiawassee County.
The 75th House District described in the Clinton County section also includes portions of Ingham County and Shiawassee County.
The 77th House District described in the Clinton County section also includes portions of Ingham County and Eaton County.
The Lansing Community College Board of Trustees race described in the Ingham County section will also appear on the ballot in Clinton, Eaton and Livingston Counties.
The East Lansing Charter amendments described in the Ingham County section will also appear on the ballot in Clinton County.
The Holt Public Schools operating millage described in the Ingham County section will also appear on the ballot in Eaton County.
The Perry Public Schools bond proposal described in the Shiawassee County section will also appear on the ballot in Ingham County.
CLINTON COUNTY
Michigan State University professor Rashida Harrison, a Democrat from Lansing, is seeking a seat in the Michigan Senate. She will face Republican nominee Julie DeRose of DeWitt in the 28th Senate District, which is currently held by state Sen. Sam Singh, D-East Lansing.
State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou, a Democrat from East Lansing, is facing a challenge from Republican nominee Frank Lambert of Haslett in the 75th House District.
In the 77th House District, state Rep. Emily Dievendorf, a Democrat from Lansing, is facing a challenge from Republican nominee Sally Jo Nelton of Grand Ledge.
DeWitt Township Supervisor Brian Ross, a Republican, faces a challenge from Democratic nominee Joshua Taft.
Voters in Bath Township will be asked to increase the township’s general operating millage by 1 mill, bringing the total millage to a rate of 4.548 mills. The increased millage would apply through 2035. The proposal would increase the township’s annual tax revenue by about $609,500.
DeWitt Public Schools is seeking to borrow $157 million to build a new multi-purpose field house, improve other athletic facilities and playgrounds, purchase school buses and remodel or expand school buildings.
St. Johns Public Schools is seeking to borrow $40 million to build a new transportation building and additions to school buildings, remodel school buildings, building and improving athletic facilities and playgrounds and purchase school buses.
Note: The 28th Senate District described in the Clinton County section also includes portions of Ingham County and Shiawassee County.
The 75th House District described in the Clinton County section also includes portions of Ingham County and Shiawassee County.
The 77th House District described in the Clinton County section also includes portions of Ingham County and Eaton County.
The Lansing Community College Board of Trustees race described in the Ingham County section will also appear on the ballot in parts of Clinton, Eaton and Livingston Counties.
The East Lansing Charter amendments described in the Ingham County section will also appear on the ballot in Clinton County.
The Grand Ledge Public Schools bond proposal described in the Eaton County section will also appear on the ballot in Clinton and Ionia counties.
The St. Johns Public Schools Bond Proposal described in the Clinton County section will also appear on the ballot in Gratiot County.
EATON COUNTY
The Eaton County Transportation Authority is seeking to restore its millage to the previously approved rate of 0.25 mills for five years, through 2031. The millage would raise about $1.3 million in its first year.
Eaton County voters will also decide whether to fund road and bridge repairs at a rate of 1.5 mills for a period of 10 years, through 2035. The millage would generate approximately $7.8 million in revenue during the first year.
Grand Ledge Public Schools is seeking to borrow $123.5 million for the purposes of remodeling and expanding school buildings, purchasing school buses and improving playgrounds, athletic facilities and parking areas.
Charlotte Mayor Kevin Fullerton is seeking re-election for a partial term ending in 2028. He faces Joseph Chin Jr. in the nonpartisan race.
Eaton Rapids Mayor Pamela Colestock is also up for re-election, facing off with Paul Malewski in the non-partisan race.
Grand Ledge Mayor Keith Mulder is challenged by Andrew Spagnuolo in his race.
Note: The 77th House District described in the Clinton County section also includes portions of Ingham County and Eaton County.
The Grand Ledge Public Schools bond proposal described in the Eaton County section will also appear on the ballot in Clinton and Ionia Counties.
The Holt Public Schools operating millage described in the Ingham County section will also appear on the ballot in Eaton County.
The Lansing Community College Board of Trustees race described in the Ingham County section will also appear on the ballot in parts of Clinton, Eaton and Livingston Counties.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Republican Mike Murphy of Howell will seek to hold the 22nd Senate District for his party, facing a challenge from Democrat Robert Hower of Brighton. The seat is currently held by state Sen. Lana Theis of Brighton.
Handy Township is seeking a new millage to fund road and bridge repairs at a rate of 1 mill for a period of four years, through 2030. The millage would raise about $471,000 in its first year.
The Village of Pinckney Police Department is seeking to increase its millage to a rate of 2.5 mills for a period of three years, through 2029. The millage would generate about $248,100 in its first year.
Brighton Area Schools is seeking to borrow about $90.3 million to improve and expand school buildings, playgrounds and athletic facilities.
Hartland Consolidated Schools is seeking to replace its building and site sinking fund millage at a rate of 0.5 mills for a period of 10 years, through 2036. The sinking fund would be used for repairing school buildings and acquiring school buses, among other things. The millage would raise more than $1 million in its first year.
Howell Public Schools is seeking to renew its operating millage at a rate of 18.4411 mills for a period of 11 years, through 2038. The millage would be levied at the maximum statutory rate of 18 mills, with the remainder being used to offset future legally required rollbacks. The millage would generate about $21.7 million in its first year.
Note: The 22nd Senate District described in the Livingston County section also includes portions of Ingham, Shiawassee, Genesee and Oakland Counties.
The Lansing Community College Board of Trustees race described in the Ingham County section will also appear on the ballot in parts of Clinton, Eaton and Livingston Counties.
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY
State Rep. Brian BeGole, a Republican from Perry, is up for re-election in the 71st House District. He faces a challenge from Stephen Schlaack, a Democrat from Owosso.
In Owosso, 12 candidates are vying for four seats on the City Council, including one incumbent: Councilmember Christopher Owens. The other candidates are Nicholas Albertson, Mike Cline, Lee Mills, Curtis Dowds, Jane Ferraro, Joseph Hammontree, Gil Humphreys, Susan Kofta, Richard Maurer, Galen Ponder and Sean Harrington.
Shiawassee County is seeking to restore an expired millage to fund senior citizen services at a rate of 0.4942 mills for a period of five years, through 2030.
Voters in Corunna will consider three amendments to the city charter.
The first would eliminate the requirement of four City Council members to be considered a quorum, instead basing the requirement on the total number of City Council members holding office at that time.
The second would eliminate wards, opting instead to elect City Council members at-large with no ward residency requirements.
The third would remove all gender specific terminology from the city charter, replacing it with gender neutral language.
Owosso voters will be asked to renew a millage of 0.5 mills to fund the city’s parks for a period of two years, through 2029. The millage would raise about $170,000 in its first year.
The city of Durand is seeking to increase funding for its parks and recreational programming to a rate of 0.4 mills for a rate of five years, through 2030. The millage would raise about $35,000 in its first year.
Also in Durand, voters will consider whether to increase the threshold before competitive bids and City Council approval is required for purchases or sales from $3,000 to $5,000.
Voters in Bennington Township will be asked to approve a millage of 0.3333 mills to provide public transportation from the Shiawassee Area Transportation Authority at a reduced cost. The millage would last two years, through 2028, and would generate around $50,540 in its first year.
Public transportation is also up for a vote in Owosso Township, where the Shiawassee Area Transportation Authority is seeking a millage at the same rate of 0.3333 mills for a period of four years, through 2029. The millage would generate about $59,207 in its first year.
Recycling services will be on the ballot in Hazelton Township. Residents already pay for trash collection but would pay an additional $63 per year for recycling. The contract would be for a period of three years, through 2029.
Voters in Hazelton Township will also decide whether to renew a road funding millage at a rate of 1.5 mills for five years, through 2032.
Road funding will also be on the ballot in Middlebury Township, where officials are seeking to reinstate an expired millage at a rate of 2 mills for a period of five years, through 2030.
Middlebury Township residents will also be asked to continue funding emergency services at a rate of 3 mills for a period of five years, through 2030.
Perry Public Schools is seeking to borrow $27.7 million to remodel buildings, including building a new addition to the middle and high school building.
Durand Area Schools is seeking to borrow $30.3 million to build and remodel school buildings, purchase school buses and improve or develop athletic facilities and playgrounds.
Note: The 71st House District described in the Shiawassee County section also includes portions of Genesee County and Saginaw County.
The 22nd Senate District described in the Livingston County section also includes portions of Ingham, Shiawassee, Genesee and Oakland Counties.
The 28th Senate District described in the Clinton County section also includes portions of Ingham County and Shiawassee County.
The 75th House District described in the Clinton County section also includes portions of Ingham County and Shiawassee County.
The Perry Public Schools bond proposal described in the Shiawassee County section will also appear on the ballot in Ingham County.
The Durand Area Schools bond proposal described in the Shiawassee County section will also appear on the ballot in Genesee County.
JACKSON COUNTY
Jackson County residents will be asked to double the charge on landline, wireless and voice over internet protocol services from $1.50 per month to $3 per month to increase funding for 911 emergency call answering and dispatch services. A portion of the funds would be used to replace 10-year-old radios for police and fire first responders.
Voters in the city of Jackson will elect a new mayor. The non-partisan candidates are former Mayor Derek Dobies and fourth-time candidate John Wilson.
Also in the city of Jackson, voters will decide whether to amend the city charter to make the city treasurer an appointed position rather than electing them.
Liberty Township residents will decide whether to approve 1.25 mills of new funding for three years to replace a fire engine and equipment.
Norvell Township is also seeking a new public safety millage. The 2 mills of funding would be used to operate, equip, purchase and make capital expenditures for police, fire and emergency medical services. The millage would last 10 years, through 2035, and would generate approximately $391,000 in its first year.
Residents in the Village of Cement City will be asked to renew an operating millage at a previously approved rate of 4.9665 mills for a period of two years, through 2028. The millage would raise about $55,450 in its first year.
Blackman Charter Township is seeking to renew its park funding millage for 10 years, through 2037. The millage is at a rate of 0.25 mills and would raise an estimated $173,538 in its first year.
Road funding will be on the ballot in Concord Township, where voters will be asked to renew a millage at its reduced rate of 0.8870 mills for six years, through 2031. The millage would generate about $104,000 in its first year.
Concord Community Schools will ask to renew its operating millage at a rate of 19.5461 mills for a period of 11 years, through 2038. The millage would be levied at the maximum statutory rate of 18 mills, with the remaining 1.5461 mills only being used to offset future legally required rollbacks. It would generate about $861,087 in its first year.
WHEN AND HOW TO VOTE
Michigan residents have until Oct. 19 to register to vote via mail or online. Between Oct. 20 and Nov. 3, registration must happen in-person at a local clerk’s office.
For registered voters, early in-person voting sites will be open Oct. 24 to Nov. 1.
For absentee voters, the Michigan Department of State recommends mailing your ballot before Oct. 19 to ensure it makes it to the polling station before 8 p.m. on election night. Absentee ballots can also be submitted by drop box or hand delivered to local clerks.
Polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Your local polling station can be found here.
