Voting ballot illustration by Hope Ann Flores.
—Not sure who or what you're voting for? What's a primary election anyway?
On Aug. 2, the state primary election will take place. The primary will leave one candidate per party, who will then advance onto the state general election which will take place on Nov. 8.
Here’s a complete overview of who's running in Michigan and specifically in East Lansing, what's on the ballot and how to register to secure your vote.
This year Michigan will be electing a governor, state representatives and other statewide and local positions by county.
Incumbent Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is up for reelection. The last time an incumbent governor lost reelection was in 1990 with past Gov. Jim Blanchard. She is running alongside five other contenders from the Republican party (Tudor Dixon, Ryan Kelley, Ralph Rebandt, Kevin Rinke and Garrett Soldano).
Incumbent Democrat Elissa Slotkin is seeking reelection for State Representative. Opposite her is Tom Barrett representing the Republican party. Barrett worked as a member of Michigan's House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019 and he currently serves as one of Michigan's state senators.
Starting off for local candidates is the County Treasurer. There are three individuals in the running: Alan Fox (Democrat), Bruce A. Little (Republican) and Renee Sumerix (Republican).
Following that is the County Commissioner. Incumbent Mark Grebner (Democrat) and Virginia Werner (Republican). Grebner has served in this role since 2017 for District 8.
There’s also a delegate to the county convention. Those on the ballot are Joshua Smith (Democrat), Roberta Stanley (Democrat) and Ben Fedewa (Republican).
There are two proposals on the ballot this primary, both with results lasting for the next 8 years. The first proposal is an Animal Control Program Operations and Services Funding Measure. This deals with the increase of taxable limits that goes towards funding for animal control programs. This proposes an increase to $0.20 per $1,000.
The second proposal is A Juvenile Justice Millage Renewal and Restoration Measure. This proposes a renewal of the tax limits that fund confinement for juvenile delinquents in Michigan by county.
Polls will be open on Aug. 2 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here for a complete list of polling locations in East Lansing broken down by precincts. There are a few polling locations on campus (Brody Hall, the Union, IM East and IM West) making it accessible for students living on and around campus to cast their votes.
The mail-in registration and online registration deadlines have passed. In-person registration is open until the 2nd. Make sure to visit the Department of State site where it will walk through how to register step-by-step.
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