What’s on the May 5 ballot in Southwest Michigan? Here’s what voters need to know

May election season is upon us, and while the ballots may seem light, their local impact is anything but. 

The Tuesday, May 5 special election in Michigan features relatively few races in most communities, with many ballots focused on school bond proposals, millage renewals, and local questions rather than candidate contests.

Still, these lower-turnout elections often decide issues that hit closest to home — from school building upgrades to tax levies and city charter changes.

Key dates to know:

• Monday, April 20: Deadline to register online, by mail, or through standard in-person registration.
• After April 20 through Election Day: Voters can still register in person at their city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency.
• Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m.: Deadline for absentee ballot requests submitted online or by mail.
• Tuesday, May 5: Election Day. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Completed absentee ballots must be received by your local clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots may be returned by mail, clerk’s office drop-off or secure drop box, depending on local options.

Voters can check registration status, view a sample ballot, find polling locations and track absentee ballots at Michigan.gov/Vote.

What’s on the ballot in and around Southwest Michigan?

St. Joseph County

• Colon Community Schools Sinking Fund Millage Renewal: Would renew a sinking fund levy of 1.2906 mills for eight years, from 2027 through 2034, for building repairs, security improvements, technology upgrades and related infrastructure needs.
• Sturgis Public Schools Bond Proposal: Would allow the district to borrow $98.4 million for building construction and renovations, safety improvements, instructional technology, playgrounds, athletic fields and other facility upgrades.

Kalamazoo County

• Comstock Public Schools Bond Proposal: Would authorize $23.7 million in borrowing for building upgrades, security improvements, furnishings, technology and school buses.
• Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools Bond Proposal: Would authorize $11.24 million in borrowing for building renovations, furnishings, a new transportation facility, instructional technology and site improvements.
• KRESA Special Education Renewal and Restoration Proposal: Would renew a levy of 1.4862 mills for six years beginning in 2027 and restore an additional 0.0138 mills, bringing the total to 1.5 mills for special education services.
• Portage Single Hauler Trash Ordinance Proposal: Would require waste haulers to register and publish fee schedules while prohibiting the city from creating an exclusive single-provider trash contract.
• Vicksburg Community Schools Bond Proposal: Would authorize $64.1 million for school facilities, a transportation facility, auxiliary gym, outdoor recreation structures, buses, technology and site work.

Branch County

• Coldwater Community Schools Bond Proposal: Would authorize $64 million for additions and renovations at Coldwater High School, a bus garage, instructional technology and site improvements.
• Quincy Community Schools Bond Proposal: Would authorize $60 million for building additions, a support facility, renovations, athletic fields and infrastructure upgrades.
• Reading Community Schools Sinking Fund Millage Replacement Proposal: Seeks to authorize up to 1.8309 mills ($1.8309 per $1,000 of taxable value) for five years, from 2026 through 2030, replacing an expiring sinking fund millage. Revenue would be used for school building construction and repairs, security improvements, technology upgrades, student transportation vehicles, maintenance equipment and other legally authorized district needs.

Calhoun County

• Battle Creek Mayor, City Commission Term Limits Proposal: Would amend the city charter to establish four-year terms for the mayor and city commissioners beginning after certification of the election.

Even when the ballot is short, the outcomes can shape taxes, schools and local services for years to come.

So yes — this may be a quieter election. But it’s still one worth showing up for.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.