MICHIGAN, USA — In West Michigan, voters will head to the polls (or vote from home) in the Aug. 4 primary election. This election day will look a little different than normal just because of the widespread push for people to vote from home due to COVID-19.
Here is a voter guide on how to vote, what's on the ballot and who is competing in the primary.
HOW TO VOTE?
By Tuesday, Aug. 4, it will be too late to mail in a ballot. However, if you applied to vote absentee and you already received your ballot, you can drop it off in a dropbox at your local clerk's office.
Ballots need to be received by 8 p.m.
If you plan to vote in person, there will be polling places open in each jurisdiction. Clerk's offices and polling locations will be supplied with protective and hygiene equipment. Masks are highly encouraged for those voting in person, but people will not be turned away if they don't have one.
For people who aren't registered to vote, they can do so through Election Day at their local clerk's office.
WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT?
In the primary election, the main ballot items are party races between candidates competing to be in November's general election.
However, in addition to these congressional and state legislature primary races, there are also local ballot proposals that include funding for schools, libraries and first responders.
Here are some of the proposals up for a vote:
Cedar Springs tax bond - The district is asking voters to approve a $68 million tax bond for updates to school buildings and facilities.
Hamilton Community schools tax bond - The district is asking voters to approve a $65.6 million tax bond for updates to school buildings and facilities.
Jenison Public Schools tax bond - The district is asking voters to approve at $60.7 million tax bond for updates to school buildings and facilities.
Lakeshore Museum Center - A countywide proposal for Muskegon, voters will decide a millage request for .3221 mills for 10-years to support the Lakeshore Museum Center's operations.
WHO IS COMPETING IN THE PRIMARY?
3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Michigan's 3rd Congressional district is a race to keep an eye on this cycle. Having been represented by Rep. Justin Amash since 2011, he is bowing out of the competition.
In the Aug. 4 primary, there are five Republicans competing to face the one Democrat on the ballot in November.
REPUBLICANS:
- State Rep. Lynn Afendoulis
- Joe Farrington
- Peter Meijer
- Tom Norton
- Emily Rafi
DEMOCRAT:
Hillary Scholten
2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Both the candidates running for this district do not face primary challengers. Incumbent Rep. Bill Huizenga is the Republican on the ballot, and he will face Democrat Bryan Berghoef in the general election.
STATE REP. 72ND DISTRICT
Republican incumbent Steven Johnson is running unopposed in the primary. There are two Democrats in the race: Lily Cheng-Schulting and Cade Wilson.
STATE REP. 73RD DISTRICT
Currently represented by Republican Lynn Afendoulis, there is one unopposed Democrat and three Republicans on the primary ballot.
REPUBLICAN:
- John Inhulsen
- Bryan Posthumus
- Robert Regan
DEMOCRAT:
- Bill Saxton
STATE REP. 74TH DISTRICT
Republican incumbent Mark Huizenga is facing a challenger. There are two Republicans and one Democrat in the primary.
REPUBLICAN:
- Mark Huizenga
- Brock Story
DEMOCRAT:
- Meagan L. Hintz
STATE REP. 86TH DISTRICT
Republican incumbent Thomas Albert is not facing a challenger. There are two Democrats in the race.
DEMOCRATS:
- Sue Hayes
- Jeff Merritt
STATE REP. 89TH DISTRICT
Incumbent Republican Jim Lilly is running unopposed. There are two Democrats in the race:
DEMOCRATS:
- Anita Marie Brown
- Erik E. Nordman
STATE REP. 90TH DISTRICT
Republican incumbent Bradley Slaugh is not facing a challenger. There are two Democrats looking to be on the ballot in the general election:
DEMOCRATS:
- Christopher P. Banks
- Mark Northrup
STATE REP. 92ND DISTRICT
Currently represented by Democrat Terry Sabo, there are no other Democrats in the race.
There are two Republicans competing in the primary:
- Michael Del Percio
- Michael L. Haueisen
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