Tag Archives: Voting

WKTV We the People Logo 2026

WKTV We the People: Get to know your local Kentwood and Wyoming candidates

2-row, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Politics, Upcoming Events, We The People, , , , , , , , ,
WKTV We the People Logo 2026



By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org

EDITOR’S NOTE: WKTV Community Media invited local candidates to create a video for the upcoming general election (Tuesday, Nov. 3) in the following races that affect Kentwood and Wyoming voters: United States House of Representatives (3rd District), State Representative (80th District), State Representative (83rd District), State Senator (29th District), Wyoming Council Member (at Large), Wyoming Council Member (1st Ward) and Wyoming Mayor.

All videos are 5-minutes or less, devoted to the candidate, and were not edited in any way by WKTV. Profile descriptions are provided by the candidate. Candidate videos are presented alphabetically. WKTV went to great lengths to notify and invite candidates for We the People. Participating candidate videos and profiles can be seen below:

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 3RD DISTRICT CANDIDATES

TERRI DEBOER – U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd District (R)

Occupation: Meteorologist, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Author

Why are you running for office?

MY TOP PRIORITIES: COMMON-SENSE SOLUTIONS

1. COMMON SENSE: COST OF LIVING

Reckless federal spending and runaway inflation have priced everyday families out of the American Dream. I will fight to:

  • Rein in Wasteful Spending & Lower Taxes: Cut bloated federal spending and lower taxes on middle-class families so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.
  • Drive Down Energy Costs: Unleash domestic energy production to lower fuel, heating, and electric bills across the board.
  • Make Housing Affordable: Cut back government red tape that inflates construction costs, making homeownership attainable again for Michigan families.

2. COMMON SENSE: HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION

Decisions about your family’s health and education belong in your hands—not with government bureaucrats or massive corporations. I will fight to:

  • Harness the Free Market in Healthcare: Stop the expansion of government control in medicine. I’ll push for free-market solutions, real competition, and deregulation—expanding patient choice, lowering costs, and keeping you in control of your medical decisions.
  • Empower Parents in Education: Put parents back in charge of their children’s education and ensure every child has access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code.

3. COMMON SENSE: SAFETY AND SECURITY

Keeping our communities and institutions safe comes first. I will fight to:

  • Secure Our Borders: Stop illegal immigration and repeal soft-on-crime policies so our laws protect law-abiding Michigan families—not criminals.
  • Protect Election Integrity: Restore trust in our democracy by securing our elections and requiring a valid photo ID to vote.

HILLARY SCHOLTEN – U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd District (D) Incumbent

Occupation: Representative of Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District

Why are you running for office? 

I’m running because I believe Michigan deserves leadership that puts people first. Throughout my career–as a social worker, a Department of Justice attorney, and a member of Congress–I’ve worked to help people navigate systems that too often feel out of reach. I know families are worried about rising costs, trust in government is low, and too many people feel left behind. I’m running to change that by bringing people together, solving problems, and making sure every Michigander has the opportunity to succeed.


Two issues you are focused on:

Two issues I’m focused on are lowering costs and restoring trust in government. Too many Michigan families are working hard but still feeling squeezed by the cost of health care, housing, and everyday necessities. That’s why I’ve worked to lower prescription drug costs, expand affordable housing opportunities, and support good-paying jobs across our state.


I’m also focused on strengthening confidence in our public institutions. People deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and delivers results. That means being a good steward of taxpayer dollars, improving how the government serves people, and ensuring that public service remains focused on the public interest.


STATE SENATOR, 29TH DISTRICT CANDIDATES

ABBIE GROFF-BLASZAK – State Senator, 29th District (D)

Occupation: Instructor, GRCC & City Commissioner, City of East Grand Rapids


Why are you running for office? I believe in better. I believe in better policy that creates better outcomes for people. I believe that better politics can weave the fabric of our community tighter rather than fraying our connection. I believe that we can build a Michigan that stands strong in protecting our people and our democracy while we nurture healthy and thriving communities; ensure an excellent public education for all children; supply adequate and affordable homes where folks want to live; and center the needs and rights of workers in our economy. We need leaders who reject dark money, corporate influence, and special-interests and center the needs and voices of their community. I’m running to represent the collective power and wisdom of this community and work tirelessly to deliver better outcomes through better politics.


Two issues you are focused on:  

  • I am committed to building an economy centered on the needs of workers and families, not corporations and their shareholders. That means working to guarantee a thriving wage for all work that allows individuals and families to cover basic needs and build a fulfilling and meaningful life. It means protecting and expanding the right to organize across all sectors. It means supporting small businesses as they create opportunity across our community. It also means establishing paid family leave and universal childcare because no person should have to choose between caring for family and building a career.
  • I will continue my life’s work in ensuring excellent public schools for every child in every neighborhood. Strong public schools are the foundation of a strong democracy. As an educator, I know that our schools cannot thrive when educators are underpaid, support staff are stretched thin, and students are learning in overcrowded classrooms. We must – for the first time in history –  properly fund public education. We must properly invest in teachers and paraprofessionals; provide the resources and support they need to serve all students; and ensure safe, supportive learning environments – including small class sizes – for every child. 

BRADY MIDDLETON – State Senator, 29th District (R)

Occupation: Business owner, entrepreneur, former criminal justice reformer and inventor. I co-founded Metas LLC, an award-winning innovative company recognized as one of Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch, named “World’s Greatest Label Company” by Bloomberg’s World’s Greatest, and recipient of multiple Best Labels in the US awards from USA Today. I help operate Middleton Printing, a business that’s been thriving in Wyoming for 70 years.


Why are you running for office? I am running for Michigan State Senate District 29 to restore Michigan’s economy and make life more affordable for families, redeem our justice system because true justice doesn’t just punish, it makes people whole, and reconcile our political divide to craft the best common-sense solutions that benefit all Michiganders. I want to ensure our communities are safe and healthy and that people have access to and expanding opportunities to build productive and successful lives.


As a survivor of violent crime, pistol-whipped, carjacked, and kidnapped at gunpoint just two weeks after high school graduation, I know the devastating impact when systems fail victims and communities. Through faith and years of personally mentoring one of my young attackers to graduate high school, I learned that real justice combines accountability with redemption and restitution for victims. My earlier work in criminal justice reform, where I helped expose significant fraud and waste in victim assistance programs, showed me how a lack of transparency allows special interests to block better outcomes.


As a business owner and innovator who has created jobs and efficiencies through technology, I’ve seen how government bloat, fraud, and regulatory barriers drive up costs for families and stifle opportunity. Transparency is key: Michiganders deserve to know exactly why the establishment has failed them and what interests are preventing the best solutions from benefiting everyone.


I’m running to bridge divides, cut waste and abuse, promote innovation and job growth, support restorative approaches that prioritize victim healing and public safety, and expand real pathways in education, workforce training, and reentry so every person, regardless of background, has the chance to build a successful life. Together we can deliver results-focused policies that restore Michigan’s promise for all families.


Two issues you are focused on:

1. Restoring Michigan’s Economy, Ending the Affordability Crisis and Providing Real Lasting Relief to Families

I will grow good-paying jobs in manufacturing, technology, skilled trades, and small business by cutting red tape, reducing energy and healthcare costs, and championing innovation. Eliminating Michigan’s income tax will deliver real lasting relief to families while making our state more competitive to attract growing businesses. By eliminating government waste, fraud, and special-interest spending, we can lower the tax and regulatory burdens that inflate housing, groceries, energy, healthcare, and everyday expenses. Expanding access to skilled trades training will help people secure incredibly well-paying careers while also reducing the cost of building, directly helping solve the housing crisis. Expanding workforce training and education aligned with actual careers will give more Michiganders the tools to achieve financial stability and build successful lives.


2. Redeeming Our Justice System to Create Safer, Healthier Communities and Expanding Opportunities

If our streets and neighborhoods are not safe enough for kids to play in them, then we have failed to deliver safe communities, and change is required. I will drive that change. True justice doesn’t just punish, it makes people whole by holding offenders accountable, delivering meaningful restitution to victims, and providing clear paths to redemption and productive citizenship that reduce recidivism and future crime. Families and taxpayers also deserve justice in education. Michigan ranks 44th in reading comprehension, and nearly 40% of our 4th graders are on a path toward prison or a lifetime of welfare under the current system. The people in Lansing who crafted the laws governing our education process have failed our kids and our communities. Accountability for that failure, and real solutions that fix it, is essential so every child has the opportunity to succeed and every taxpayer gets results for their investment. I will demand transparency in justice and victim programs (building on my experience exposing major fraud), invest in proven prevention and reentry support, and back community-based approaches that keep neighborhoods safe while giving people, including those who have made mistakes, the opportunity to contribute and succeed. By focusing on results over rhetoric and working across divides for common-sense reforms, we can build healthier, safer communities where everyone has a real chance to thrive.



WYOMING COUNCIL MEMBER AT LARGE CANDIDATES

ROB ARNOYS – Wyoming Council Member at Large (Incumbent)

Occupation: Banking Leadership:  Senior Vice President Premier Services; Lake Michigan Credit Union

Why did I decide to run for the City Council seat?

  • As a lifelong resident of the City of Wyoming, I am passionate about the city and not only have knowledge of the history of Wyoming, but see the great potential it has to offer!  Wyoming has a rich history of vision and progress and it is going through some exciting and significant transition.
    • I am running for re-election as a City Council Member At Large.  Over the past four years, I have had the privilege to serve as your council member and we have made a lot of progress that I will be able to carry that momentum into a second term.  We have enhanced our public safety team and department with greater coverage, systems and equipment that delivers faster response times to keep us protected.  We have embarked on our plan to build a downtown presence, connect our trails, improve our roads, enhance our clean water plant, add a third transmission line for our water deliver, improved our IT infrastructure, hired our City Manager and Deputy City Manager and have activated the Site 36 property to now be a vibrant mix of business and community space.  Above all of this, we have engaged in doing efficiency studies to ensure that we are operating in the most fiscally responsible manner.
    • As a Wyoming Planning Commissioner for almost 12 years, I was involved in the discussion and strategy for the City Master Plan.  We have tremendous opportunity to develop and redevelop our key sectors of the city; develop a centralized downtown area, enhance 28th street, enhance Division, develop the remaining area in the panhandle, as well as many other areas.  
    • In addition, we need to stay on target with the city finances.  There is a need to explore ways to ensure financial sustainability for our operating budget, and in particular, public safety.  As a life long banker who has been involved in strategically managing sizable budgets, I am committed to add insight and guidance to this process.  I will operate with a mindset that we will run based on needs vs. wants to direct funding to those key services needed to run our City.  We will be open and transparent and accountable.  
    • Our City Council executive leadership team is going through change.  Our Mayor is retiring.   If re-elected, I will be able to sustain the momentum and leverage my experience & trust with the other council members, staff and my business experience to create positive action.  I will be able to contribute and drive meaningful change without the long learning curve.
    • I will continue to engage with residents to listen to their inputs, ideas, concerns and thoughts.  This will allow me to best serve based upon the needs of our residents.  My goal is to help our City by working together with residents, City staff and council members.  I have my ideas and inputs, but I will bring a collaborative approach to help guide us to the overall best solutions to create a long term, sustainable, vibrant city that we are all proud to live, work, play and shop.
    • I look forward to serving the City of Wyoming!  If you would like to learn more about me and my background, you can visit www.electrobarnoys.com

What key issues would I focus on if elected:

   If elected, the key priorities that I would want to focus on are:

  • Public safety – It is critical that we have a safe community.  I will stand with our public safety officers in providing them the resources needed to keep our community safe.
  • Fiscal responsibility – I have extensive experience in budgets and finance and will add a new perspective and will treat our finances as I would my own.  Your tax dollars will be treated with care and respect.
  • Planned development – Ensure we have a strong master plan that will put the right uses in the right areas, grow strong business and enhance quality of life.
  • Supporting an environment for small business to prosper

DR. RENEE HILL – Wyoming Council Member at Large (Incumbent)

Occupation: Doctor of Physical Therapy, (Wyoming Council Member at Large)

Why are you running for office? To preserve the Constitution of the United States of America as one nation under God. 

Two issues you are focused on? 

  1. Appropriate use of the hard-working tax dollars our residents and businesses pay to the City. 
  2. How to engage more of the residents and businesses to be more involved with our City. 

CASSIE KAWKA-VLAHOS – Wyoming Council Member at Large

Occupation: Insurance Compliance Specialist

Why are you running for office? I am running for Wyoming City Council At-Large because I believe local government functions best when residents feel informed, heard and connected to the decisions that impact their daily lives. My goal is to help our city government create that trust and connection. I believe residents deserve a representative who will reach out to them, listen, communicate openly and work collaboratively to resolve issues and improve our community.

Two issues you are focused on: Transparency and Communication

DANIEL RIVERA – Wyoming Council Member at Large

Occupation: Political Manager, States Project 

Why are you running for office?
I’m running for Wyoming City Council At-Large because I believe our city government should be efficient, accessible, and responsive to every resident. As someone born and raised in Wyoming, I want to give back to the community that invested in me and help build a stronger future for all families.

Two issues you are focused on:

Investing in strong neighborhoods through parks, local businesses, and community engagement.

Government efficiency and accountability.


STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 80TH DISTRICT CANDIDATES

LILY CHENG-SCHULTING – State Representative, 80th District (D)


Occupation:  Disability Rights Advocate, Founder of the Disability A-TEAM of West Michigan, and Community Organizer

Why are you running for office?

After mobilizing a grassroots movement and achieving meaningful, systemic change for almost all of the special education schools in Kent County, I decided to run for legislative office to create many real solutions and positive change for all people.


Since my family and I have experienced prejudice through the years, I want to make sure that noone faces discrimination because of the color of their skin, their race, their background, who they love or worship, or for any reason. 


Moreover, I am not just an immigrant and a woman of color, I am also a proven community organizer and human rights advocate for over a decade.  This combination makes me the worst nightmare of Trump, the oligarchy, fascism, and any racist attacks in our communities. 


In this race, I am also the authentic Progressive fighter for a multicultural, working class government. Of utmost importance in our Democracy is a government of, by, and of the people, including working families, diverse families, women, immigrants, and all who need a stronger voice amid our power structure.  Moreover, I am the only candidate for State Representative who Bernie Sanders and Abdul El-Sayed have ever endorsed in West Michigan. Although other candidates coop the term Progressive, I am the only candidate in my race who the Progressive Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party has endorsed. 


Two issues you are focused on:

Two issues or bills, among many issues, which need help immediately and continuously, are bills for increasing the wages of direct care workers and increasing funding for public education and support services for students with disabilities and mental health challenges. 


Additionaly, I will dedicate my skills as a proven coalition builder and community organizer to listen and create many real solutions, including but not limited to:

·       And ensuring a higher quality of life and human dignity for everyone in HD80 and Michigan

·       Affordable Housing options

·       A living wage and higher wages

·       Abolishing ICE

·       DriveSafe Bills

·       Universal Healthcare for All or Single Payer Healthcare

·       Shutting Down Line 5

·       Preventing and protecting the public from Data Centers

·       Women’s Rights

·       LGBTQ Rights



WYOMING COUNCIL MEMBER, 1ST WARD CANDIDATE

KYLE BRETHAUER – Wyoming Council Member, 1st Ward)

Occupation: IT Project Manager
Why are you running for office? I am passionate about helping people
Two issues you are focused on: Improving city services and managing city expenses. 

STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 83RD DISTRICT CANDIDATE

CINDY RAMIREZ – State Representative, 83rd District (R)





Wyoming Schools superintendent delivers message to community regarding elections

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Education, Election, Going Local, Kent County, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming Events, We The People, West Michigan, , , , , ,
(Courtesy photo)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra delivers an important message to the community on the eve of national, state and local elections.

Read Hoekstra’s letter to the community below:

Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra (Supplied)

Dear Wyoming Public Schools Families and Community,

As we approach the upcoming national, state, and local elections, I want to highlight two important messages for our school community.

First and foremost, I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. This fundamental right is one of the most impactful ways we can shape our community, our state, and our nation. Voting not only allows us to have a voice in the decisions that affect us, but it also demonstrates to our children the value of civic engagement.

Secondly, as the election draws near and results unfold, it is vital that we, as a community, stay focused on our role as positive role models for our students. Regardless of the election’s outcome, our ongoing commitment must be to remain civil, respectful, and supportive of one another. Our actions and words will serve as powerful examples to our children on how to engage thoughtfully and constructively, even during challenging times.

Wyoming Public Schools is built on the strength of a supportive partnership between home and school. I am grateful for each of you and your dedication to fostering a positive environment for our students. Together, we can model the importance of kindness, empathy, and healthy discourse in all that we do.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping us create a positive and respectful atmosphere within our schools and community.

Sincerely,

Craig Hoekstra

Superintendent

Wyoming Public Schools

WPS Superintendent Craig Hoekstra’s letter to the community (Courtesy, WPS)

Tips on voting in the mid-term election

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Election, Hard News, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8. (Pxhere.com)

In only a few days, the mid-term elections will be taking place which means many residents will be heading to the polls.

For those heading to the polls to vote in-person, Kentwood City Clerk Dan Kasunic reminds them that the state went though a redistricting. Some residents’ precincts or voting locations might have changed for that reason. Residents should have received a new voter information card from their municipality earlier this year. 

Voters should review their voter card to make sure they are heading to the right voting location, Kasunic said.

Voters can also find their voting location and a sample ballot at Michigan Voter Information Center.

Voting in Person

Voters do not need their voter card to vote. The resident must be registered to vote. If a voter has a photo ID, such as a state ID or driver’s license, he/she should bring it with him/her. Those who do not have such an ID  will sign the affidavit on the back of the application to vote.

 

The election worker will verify your information matches the details in the e-pollbook. Once verified, the voter will be issues a ballot.

 

On the City of Wyoming’s website, it does state that residents should leave any political material at home. This would include political hats, shirts, masks, or brochures. These items are considered campaigning and it is illegal within 100 feet of the precinct location.

Poll locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on day of the election, Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Absentee Voting

It is past the time to get an absentee ballot in the mail. Residents may come to a city clerk’s office to get an absentee ballot. Registered voters have up until 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, to request an absentee ballot.

All absentee ballots must be returned to the person’s municipality by 8 p.m . Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Kasunic noted that those planning to mail their absentee ballot should have done so by Oct. 31. At this time, voters should hand-deliver their absentee ballot to the clerk’s office at the Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, during regular business hours or use the 24-hour drop boxes located at city hall and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 44th St. SE.

Wyoming residents can also hand-deliver an absentee ballot to the clerk’s office at Wyoming City Hall 155 28th St. SW., or use Wyoming’s 24-hour drop off box also located at city hall.

Residents can check on the status of their absentee ballot by visiting Michigan Voter Information Center.

Register to Vote

Due to the 2018 changes in voting, residents are able to register to vote up to and on the day of election. In order to vote in a Michigan election, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen

18-years-old when you vote

Be a resident of Michigan when you register

Be a resident of the city or township for at least 30 days when you vote

Not currently be serving a sentence in jail or prison. 

Residents registering to vote must bring proof of residency

Those registering on the day of the election may either get an absentee ballot and vote at the clerk’s office or drive to their designated polling location to vote.

 

Only those residents registering to vote or changing their address may request and receive an absentee ballot on the day of election.

Both clerk offices will be open Saturday

Both the Wyoming and Kentwood clerk offices will be open this Saturday to help with voting and absentee ballots.

 

The Kentwood city clerk’s office will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 pm. Saturday. Otherwise the Kentwood clerk’s office is open 7:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays; and 7:30 a.m. to noon Fridays.

 

The Wyoming city clerk’s office also will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The regular hours for the Wyoming clerk’s office is 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday and closed on Friday.

Both clerk offices will be open until 8 p.m. on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Voters should return absentee ballots in person, via drop box

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, West Michigan, , , ,

By WKTV Staff

With less than two weeks remaining until the statewide primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 2, Michigan voters who have not returned their absentee ballot are encouraged to hand deliver it to a local drop box or their clerk’s office to avoid postal delays.

The City of Wyoming drop box (and usually drive-up) for absentee ballots. (WKTV)

“Drop boxes continue to be among the safe options that voters have to return their ballot securely this year, in addition to hand-delivering their ballot to their clerk’s office, voting early at their clerk’s office, or voting at their polling place on Election Day,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Eligible residents who have not yet registered to vote can do so in person at their city or township clerk’s office now through 8 p.m. on Election Day. They also can request and submit an absentee ballot at the clerk’s office in the same trip. Citizens who still need to register must do so in person at their clerk’s office if they wish to vote in the August primary, as online and mail registration is not permitted within 14 days of an election.

Voters can check the status of their absentee application or ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote or by contacting their local election clerk. Voters who already received an absentee ballot should complete it, sign the envelope and mail it or drop it off at their clerk’s office or drop box as soon as possible.

Citizens also can vote in person at their polling place on Election Day, Aug. 2. Polls will be open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

City of Wyoming

City of Wyoming Clerk Kelli VandenBerg said the city has about 5,700 registered voters and her office is working to do the best to serve all of them for the election.

For absentee ballots, her office has seen an increase since the change was made in 2018. For elections, the city is seeing about 62 percent absentee ballots with about 38 percent voting in-person.

VandenBerg said the city has mailed out about 6,000 ballots with 2,400 having been returned.

 

“While right now mail is feeling OK, but as we get closer to election day, I will be getting more and more inclined to encourage voters to come visit us,” VandenBerg said. The city has a dropbox located at City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, or bring the ballot to the clerk’s office in city hall.

 

The clerk’s office also will be hosting a public voting test at 9 a.m. July 26 in the council chambers at city hall. Area residents can see how ballots are tabulated and the process for counting ballots. 


City of Kentwood

If returning absentee ballots by mail, Kentwood City Clerk Dan Kasunic recommends putting it in the mail by Monday, July 25 to ensure a timely delivery for the August election.

Residents also can hand-deliver absentee ballots to the Clerk’s Office at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, during regular business hours or use one of the 24-hour drop boxes located outside City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.

The City Clerk’s Office, located in City Hall, will be open for voter registration and absentee ballot requests from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 30.

More information about the Aug. 2 election, absentee ballots and voter registration is available at kentwood.us/elections.

Michigan law regarding primary ballots requires voters to cast votes for only one party’s candidates. Votes for candidates in multiple parties on the same ballot will not be counted.

Absentee ballot request data shows more than 1.1 million Michigan citizens have now requested their ballots, and the vast majority have already received them. A side-by-side comparison of current absentee ballot request numbers, compared to the same time ahead of the 2018 statewide primary, is below. A breakdown of the numbers by jurisdiction is available online.

 14 Days Before Election Day(July 18, 2022)14 Days Before Election Day(July 23, 2018)
Number of Applications Received1,167,369588,909
Number of Ballots Issued1,163,659589,042*
Number of Ballots Returned398,756260,017




The Michigan Voter Information Center at Michigan.gov/Vote provides important information for voters ahead of Election Day, including a sample ballot and information about how to use voting equipment, and how to contact your local clerk.

*The number of ballots issued is greater than the number of applications received as it represents all ballots issued, including replacement ballots for those who requested to spoil their first.

Every Vote Counts: Cast Your Ballot on November 3rd

Politics, Upcoming Events, , , ,

VoteAttention to all eligible voters, don’t forget to cast your ballots in local elections Tuesday, Nov. 3!

“Voting for schools and libraries, cities and townships, means your voice is being heard right in your community,” Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said. “If your municipality is holding an election, please take a few minutes to cast your ballot.”

The polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 74 counties in Michigan are holding elections.

To find out if there is an election in your respective Wyoming or Kentwood precinct, and to view your sample ballot, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center. The website is a great online resource for voters. There you can find your polling location or track your absentee ballots to confirm it has been received by the local clerk.

There is still time for voters to obtain an absentee ballot. As a registered voter, you may obtain an absentee ballot if you are:

-Age 60 or older.
-Physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another.
-Expecting to be out-of-town for the entire time the polls are open on Election Day.
-In jail awaiting arraignment or trial.
-Unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons.
-Appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.

Every Vote CountsThose who wish to receive their absentee ballot by mail must submit their application by 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2. Voters who request an absentee ballot in person on Monday must fill out the ballot in the clerk’s office. Emergency absentee ballots are available under certain conditions through 4 p.m. on Election Day.

Residents who registered to vote by mail or via a voter registration drive and have never voted in Michigan are not eligible to vote by absentee ballot in their first election. They must vote in person at their precinct. This restriction does not apply to voters who are overseas, disabled or 60 or older.

Voters must fulfill identification requirements under Michigan law. They will be asked to present valid photo ID at the polls, such as a Michigan driver’s license or identification card. Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID ,or failed to bring it with them, may still vote. They will sign a brief affidavit stating that they’re not in possession of a photo ID. Their ballots will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.

Voters obtaining absentee ballots in person must meet the same photo identification requirement as voters who cast ballots in the polling place.

Under Michigan law, voters will also be presented with an application at the polls. By signing the application, the voter certifies that he or she is a U.S. citizen.

A specially equipped voting station called the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal is also available at each polling location for use by voters with disabilities.

Don’t Forget About Voter Registration!

How-To's, Politics, , ,

Register_to_VoteEvery vote counts!

It’s a phrase that’s said with power by every politician leading up to an election. Your vote counts, so make sure you hit the ballots and let your voice be heard!

However, what’s often not voiced as loudly is the need to REGISTER in order to vote. Here’s your friendly reminder to register!

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is commemorating today, Tuesday, September 22, as National Voter Registration Day by calling eligible voters in Michigan to get registered or update their information.

“Registering to vote is fast and easy, and it’s the best way to celebrate our democracy,” Johnson said. “National Voter Registration Day reminds eligible voters to get registered – or change their address – now so they can not only vote in the local elections on November 3, but also in the presidential election in 2016.”

In order to vote in the November local elections, voters must be registered by October 5.

The Secretary of State Mobile Office will be making several stops at colleges and universities throughout the State to encourage voter registration from students. Northwestern Community College in Traverse City is the first stop on the tour.

Here are some other ways to participate in National Voter Registration Month:

• Get registered to vote. You can do so in five easy steps.
• Update your information. This is essential if you’ve recently moved, changed your name, or had voting rights restored. You can make the changes when you update the address on your driver’s license or ID card – either online or at an SOS branch. You can also fill out a Michigan voter registration/change of address form and mail it in.
• Sign up for election reminders. You can subscribe to the Secretary of State newsletter.
• Use social media to spread the word. On Twitter and Facebook, send friends here, which has helpful information about how to register and where and when to vote. On Sept. 22, use the hashtag #CelebraeNVRD.

Are you wondering if you’re already registered? You can find out on the SOS site.