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Watershed Voice’s full and final election guide
Throughout this guide, completed questionnaires will be linked to candidates names on their first appearance. There are two ballot proposals that Watershed Voice previously outlined in detail that will be linked to as well, in case you need more information or a refresher.
The guide is broken into four parts: Federal elections, state elections, ballot proposals, and local elections.
About Watershed Voice
Your voice, your stories.
Watershed Voice is an independent, nonprofit civic news magazine based in Three Rivers, Michigan. We seek to highlight solutions to your pressing concerns in an effort to make our community a better place.
Our Latest
Sturgis Commission continues infighting, Terry calls for peace
During Wednesday’s Sturgis City Commission the verbal sparring continued, intensified, and then ended with a call from interim City Manager Doug Terry to put it all behind them and work for the city.
‘My kids and I are devastated’: ICE agents detain multiple people in St. Joseph County, according to eye witness accounts
Pablo Santiago Hernández was detained by ICE agents in the parking lot of the Sturgis Walmart Monday afternoon after purchasing lunch during a break from work, his wife Mary Kinney-Santiago told Watershed Voice.
Santiago Hernández began the process of obtaining legal permanent residency in the United States in 2024. He was still working through that process at the time of his detainment.
“My kids and I are devastated, especially my little ones that are his,” Kinney Santiago said. “They can sense the stress, they are not stupid, and he has played an active part in their lives.”
Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission
The Sturgis City Commission will meet this Wednesday, October 28 at 6 p.m. in city hall. Commissioners will consider renewing a contract for the city’s cross-connection control program, which helps the city comply with EGLE requirements, and a consulting agreement with Camas to evaluate options for the future of the Sturgis Dam.
Since the commission’s last meeting, former Sturgis HR director Sonia Burkhead revealed herself as the anonymous source from the investigation into Mayor Frank Perez and other commissioners. We take a closer look at her statement, and how it relates to the timeline of previously reported events.
Sturgis Area Community Foundation awards $206,154 to 11 organizations across St. Joseph County
The impact grants, made possible by the generosity of local donors and charitable funds, will be used for a variety of projects and causes, including $30,000 toward a larger building for Rooted of St. Joseph County, and $10,000 for free crisis response and deescalation training for first responders countywide, among others.
Letter to the editor: ‘The facts are clear,’ vote for Christin Vukasovich, not Tim Walberg
Naomi Ludman of Cass County writes, “For voters concerned about access to healthcare or paying for their health insurance premiums or prescriptions, Christian Vukasovich is the clear choice for U. S. Congress on Nov. 3.
“The facts are clear: The incumbent Tim Walberg voted for the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ which cut health care for over 30,000 residents of this district alone, either through Medicaid and Medicare cuts or increased insurance premiums.”
A closer look at Kalamazoo’s healthcare proposal, criticized by mayor as ‘dark money’ ploy
At face value, the proposal appears aimed at improving healthcare access and affordability. However, local officials argue it is a political tactic designed to influence two congressional races by drawing attention to healthcare issues in those districts.
The amendment is on the ballot in six cities: Lansing, East Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, and Portage. These cities fall into Michigan’s fourth and seventh congressional districts, represented by Republicans Bill Huizenga and Tom Barrett, respectively.
