LOCAL

2019 primary election: What you need to know about voting in Lansing on Tuesday

Lansing State Journal

LANSING – Voters will cast their ballots Tuesday in the primary race for Lansing City Council candidates and a handful of ballot proposals in the Lansing area. Winners of the Aug. 6 City Council Primary election will advance to the general election on Nov. 5 and could win one of four seats on the council.

Council seats are non-partisan and council members serve four-year terms. All four seats have incumbents running, three have challengers and there are 12 candidates total.

Meanwhile, voters will decide whether to support two proposals in Meridian Township, including one that would increase property taxes and raise $35 million over 10 years for road maintenance and repairs. The second proposal would renew a millage to fund expanded Capital Area Transportation Authority services for township residents.

The first millage proposal would help the township fill a $3 million annual gap and allow workers to repave 147 miles of roads four times faster, officials said. The township would be able to take several bonds out and cover the debt within six years. An estimated 1.94 mills will be levied for about 10 years to pay off the debt, officials said, or roughly $292 per year for a house with $150,000 in taxable value.

Meridian Township voters will be asked to renew a millage at 0.1983 mills, which would generate about $360,756 in the first year, to expand CATA services, including more routes and providing the Redi Ride service.

Additionally, a school operating millage renewal will make the ballot for voters in the Potterville Public Schools district. If approved, the school would levy up to 20 mills for 10 years. It would provide an estimated $689,947 for operations.

Are you prepared to make an informed vote?

Here we've compiled a few common question voters may have on election day. Click the links to learn more about candidates and where they stand on the issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are polls open? Polls are open on election day, Aug. 6, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and as long as you are in line by 8 p.m., you will be permitted to cast your ballot.
Where can I vote? Voters in Lansing can check lansingmi.gov/188/Polling-Locations to find their polling place.
How can I get to a polling location? The Capital Area Transportation Authority will provide free rides on election day, simply present your voter registration card when you board the bus.
Is it true I can register the day of the election? Yes, you may register in person on Aug. 6 until 8 p.m. however it must be at the City Clerk's Office and not at a polling place. Visit lansingmi.gov/187/Register-to-Vote for more information.
Can I vote absentee? Yes, you can. Absentee voter applications may be mailed to the the Lansing City Clerk or placed in secure drop boxes outside City Hall or at the elections center at 2500 S. Washington Ave. The clerk's office also offers in-person absentee voter opportunities beginning 40 days prior to any election. Visit lansingmi.gov/209/Absentee-Voting for more details.
What will my ballot look like? Voters may visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to view a sample of their ballot, verify voter registration information and track the status of your absentee ballot.

Get to know the candidates

Six candidates are vying for four spots on the general election ballot as At-Large candidates: Incumbents Patricia Spitzley and Carol Wood are on the primary ballot along with challengers Terry Eagle, Yanice Jackson-Long and Julee Rodocker. Dan Ross is a confirmed write-in candidate.

In Ward 1 (northeast Lansing), five candidates are vying for two spots on the general election ballot: Incumbent Jody Washington will appear on the primary ballot along with challengers Brandon Betz, Scott Hughes, James Pyle and Farhan Sheik-Omar.

And for Ward 3, incumbent Adam Hussain does not have a primary challenger.

To read about candidates' backgrounds and qualifications, click here.

On the issues

Candidate data was compiled from a questionnaire emailed to each candidate. For more information about the candidates, click their names above to go to their campaign websites.

Contact Jada Fisher at jsfisher@lsj.com or (517) 377-1195. Follow her on Twitter @JadaFisher_.