The primary ballot. It's that little piece of paper that can determine who runs this state and who represents you in the state Legislature and Congress. • The primary narrows down a field of candidates to one per party. Each candidate's political party then nominates the winner. • Filling out the ballot is simple enough, but here are a few things you should know before you take part in the democratic process by casting your vote on Tuesday.
69th District House Seat — If you were elected to the House of Representatives tomorrow, what two things would you do first?
Democrat Mark Meadows
"I would want to work on better funding for higher education and K-12 education because they are inextricably linked," Meadows said.
Meadows also wants to bring more jobs into the mid-Michigan region, especially those that are part of high-technology fields.
"They're going to become the foundation for our economy of the future," Meadows said.
Democrat Mary LindemannLindemann wants to amend a public act that allows property owners to have their land annexed into another municipality because companies can use it to take advantage of one county's relaxed laws on an issue when the county they're in has stricter laws. She also wants to work on job creation.
"I'd like to be the legislator that helps the government get the resources we need to build jobs," Lindemann said.
Democrat Jeffrey AboodAbood said he would work to enact new ethics laws and clean up "politics as usual."
He also wants to make the government more transparent and work to make sure "votes aren't bought."
"I want to bring business to our state and increase funding to education and reach out to companies that we haven't traditionally before in the state of Michigan," Abood said.
Republican John CurrieCurrie wants to spend his first few days in the House getting good committee assignments, such as the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on Commerce and meeting both Republicans and Democrats.
"I want to meet members of the House, both Democrats and Republicans, so I can get to know all those that are working on both sides of the aisle."
Republican John Knowles
Knowles said he would work on tax reform, especially repealing the Single Business Tax, and review all state taxes to determine if they're justified.
He also wants to work against eminent domain when governments take private land for private use.
"I want to offer Michigan property owners the greatest defense in Michigan against eminent domain takings and the whole sale blighting of property," Knowles said.
Voting basics
• Don't split your ticket. In other words, only vote for candidates from one party.
• That doesn't apply to the proposals.
• If you want to vote for someone whose name does not appear on the ballot, write them on the line.
• Vote by connecting the arrows.
• If you mess up, don't try to erase it — just ask for a new ballot.
• The ballot lists two sections for state representative because Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Lansing, left for the Senate while still a representative. The person who's elected will fill the rest of the term and the new term.
• Your voter information card should list where to go, but if you're confused, the site www.mi.gov/vote can help determine whether or not you're registered and where you can vote.
The proposals
Proposal to authorize the sale of city parking lot No. 7
The proposal asks voters whether or not East Lansing should sell the land to a developer, said East Lansing City Council member Vic Loomis. The city is required to ask voters whether the land should be sold, but how much the city could get for the sale is unknown, Loomis said.
Millage for public transportation system for elderly and disabled
This one asks voters to approve a millage increase that the county claims will bring in an estimated $562,335 of revenue. The increase would help the Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, bus service that primarily serves people with disabilities and the elderly, said Mark Grebner, a member of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners. State cuts in funding to the county have forced the county to ask for an increase from voters, Grebner said. "We're asking for a little more money to continue to provide services," he said.
Juvenile Millage Renewal question
This proposal from Ingham County asks for a millage increase to pay for more housing for juvenile offenders and those who are "disturbed." According to the county, if the millage is raised, the county would receive $4.3 million more in funds. Grebner said several years ago, the county did not have enough space to accommodate juvenile delinquents who had been arrested, and although the problem had improved, more funding would help.
The positions
Governor: This person heads up the state of Michigan, works on the state's budget and either signs or vetoes bills passed by the Michigan Legislature.
Term: 4 years
Pay: $172,000 per year
U.S. House of Representatives: The person who fills the 8th District seat represents Clinton, Ingham and Livingston counties, as well as parts of Oakland and Shiawassee counties. Representatives introduce and pass bills that impact residents, such as legislation on stem cell research, same-sex marriage and immigration.
Term: 2 years, staggered
Pay: $165,200 per year
U.S. Senator: The person who fills this position represents Michigan and joins Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., as part of the Michigan delegation. Senators, like members of the House of Representatives, decide matters such as taxes and stem cell research.
Term: 6 years, staggered
Pay: $165,200 per year
Term: 2 years, staggered
Pay: $79,650 per year
Ingham County Board of Commissioners: Ingham County is divided into different areas, so the people you get to vote for will be different depending on where you vote. Commissioners make up the governing body of Ingham County.
They have administrative and legislative powers and can decide on county services, the budget and appointment of members to different boards and other positions.
Term: 2 years
Pay: Varies — in 2007, the chairperson of the board will make $15,924, while vice chair, vice chair pro tem and standing committee chairs will get $11,565. Other members of the board will receive $10,586.
Ballot Business
Although history senior Zach Hodyna's name will appear on the primary ballot as a candidate for the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, officials say it won't be there for the general election.
Hodyna, who was running as a Republican against incumbent Democrat Mark Grebner for the 10th District, doesn't live in the right area to be a candidate for the seat, Ingham County Clerk Mike Bryanton said.
The issue was brought to Bryanton's attention, who said it's too late to change the primary ballot, but it will be changed for the general election.
Hodyna can issue a challenge against the decision, Bryanton said.
In an e-mail dated Aug. 3, Hodyna said he didn't have a comment and was just learning of the problem.
Rebecca McNulty can be reached at mcnult13@msu.edu.
