There’s not much on the ballot in Michigan tomorrow, but what is there is sparking controversy.
There are primaries for three state house seats.
The vacancies came as a result of a retirement, a resignation, and an expulsion.
A sex scandal forced two state lawmakers out of office. Cindy Gamrat and Todd Courser admitted roles in an effort to cover-up their extra-marital affair.
Courser resigned his seat. The state House voted to kick Gamrat out.
Gamrat and Courser are now running in crowded primary fields to regain their former seats.
Gamrat is facing off against seven other candidates in the 80th district.
Courser is one of 14 candidates in the 82nd district.
Voters in west Michigan are also voting to fill a vacant state house seat.
Former state representative Brandon Dillion retired so he could take over as the head of the state Democratic Party.
Three candidates are on the ballot today to replace him in the 75th state house district.
The top two vote-getters in each race will face off in March to decide who will serve out the time remaining in their current terms.
Other races on the ballot
Flint
In Flint, the city’s drinking water problems are expected to play a big role in the city’s mayoral race.
Incumbent Dayne Walling is facing a strong challenge from newcomer Karen Weaver.
Weaver has worked hard to tie Walling to the decision to switch and stay with the Flint River as the city’s drinking water source.
Walling says he worked to switch Flint back to Detroit water after rising lead levels were discovered in the city’s tap water.
Kalamazoo
A charter change gave voters the chance to directly pick their city’s chief executive.
Prior to this year, Kalamazoo’s mayor was the city commission candidate who received the most votes. Incumbent mayor Bobby Hopewell is seeking his fifth term against challenger Kris Mbah.
In Kalamazoo, there’s a proposed millage to help the homeless. If approved, the tax money raised would pay for housing for homeless families.
Lansing
Lansing voters are deciding four city council races that may determine the balance of power on the council.
Voters in Lansing will also decide if they want to ban so-called ‘golden parachutes’ for top city appointees.
A $600,000 settlement with the former general manager of the Lansing Board of Water & Light prompted the proposed charter change.
Under the proposal, city appointees would be limited to one year contracts.
What's happening in your area?
Elsewhere, voters are deciding proposed charter changes and millage questions.
To find out what's on your ballot, go to this resource page from the Michigan Secretary of State.
