LANSING — Today’s general election probably won’t bring the same voter turnout as last year’s contentious presidential election, but get ready for a conclusion to some important, high-interest races, especially in Lansing.
In the capital city, where downtown development is booming, Mayor Andy Schor is shooting for a third term in a race against Kelsea Hector, four city council seats are up for grabs and a new charter with new ideas for running government is being proposed.
East Lansing voters are picking city council members for two seats and deciding on whether they want to amend the city charter to allow for an extra 2 mills to maintain parks-related services at current levels.
Delta Township is asking voters to support a .75-mill proposal to fund public transportation within the township, including fixed route services, such as CATA Route 3, along the West Saginaw Commercial Corridor.
And seven area school districts are proposing ballot questions for improvements, rainy day funds and renewing operating millages.
Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum said there are several factors to consider but she expects Lansing’s unofficial results to be available by “midnightish,” considering polls will close at 8 p.m.
“There’s a lot of work that the election workers, those precinct workers, and the city clerks need to do,” Byrum said. “To the average person, it may seem late, because it’s not instant.
“Everywhere, it’s going to depend upon absentee counting boards and if they’re able to get through the majority of their ballots before the influx of the 8 p.m. ballots come in.”
Chris Swope, city clerk for Lansing and running unopposed for re-election, plans to post the absentee voter results on the city’s website. His hope is for that to happen around 10 p.m.
The city had about 88,650 registered voters as of Friday. The clerk’s office had received 10,979 absentee ballots and seen 237 early voters as of Sunday afternoon.
Turnout for August was 17.2%, compared to about 19.4% in August 2024.
Byrum said the county Board of Canvassers will begin reviewing votes on Thursday, and they are likely to be certified the following week.
You can find full results at LSJ.com. You can download the LSJ news app (iOS and Android) and turn on notifications for breaking news.
Here’s everything you need to know for Election Day in Michigan and Greater Lansing.
What time do polls open in Michigan?
Michigan polling places open for voting at 7 a.m. Voters can find their Election Day polling place through the voter information website run by the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office. Polls close at 8 p.m., but any voter still in line must be allowed to cast their ballot.
Can I still register to vote?
Michigan has same-day voter registration so eligible residents who haven’t yet registered can on Election Day. However, voters must now register in-person at their city or township clerk’s office since it is within 14 days of the election. Voters can find information for their local clerk through the state’s voter information website. You’ll need to bring proof of eligibility and residency.
Eligibility:
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A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)
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At least 18 years of age (when you vote)
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Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison
Proof of residency documents:
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Michigan driver’s license or state ID
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Paycheck or government check
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Other government document
What do I need to bring to vote in Michigan?
Voters will be asked to show ID at their polling place. Acceptable IDs include:
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Michigan driver’s license or state ID, which may be expired
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Photo ID from an educational institution
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Driver’s license or state ID issued by another state
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Federal, state or local government-issued photo ID
Do I have to fill out the entire ballot?
Voters do not need to vote in every race for their ballot to be accepted. For voters casting their ballots in person, there are additional measures to prevent someone accidentally voting in too few or too many races. More on that here.
How do I track my absentee ballot?
Voters who requested an absentee ballot can track the status online. The state’s voter information website lets voters see their registration status, polling location and sample ballot, as well as check the status of their absentee ballot. Voters can see the date they requested the ballot, when it was mailed and when their local clerk’s office received the completed ballot.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Election Day in Michigan: What to know about voting and results
