Early voting begins July 25; Watershed Voice candidate questionnaire update

As the August primary election approaches, Watershed Voice is here to help you make a voting plan and keep track of important dates.

On Tuesday, August 4, voters will go to the polls to decide a number of state, federal and local primary races. There are still several opportunities to vote early and avoid long lines on Election Day.

When is early voting?

Early voting begins Saturday, July 25, and continues through Sunday, August 2. Hours may vary depending on your municipality and voting location, so check with your county clerk before finalizing your plans.

Michigan law requires at least nine consecutive days of early in-person voting for statewide and federal elections. 

Where is early voting?

St Joseph County

In St. Joseph County, voters may cast an early ballot at the St. Joseph County Training Center, 602 E. Main St., Centreville.

On weekdays during the early voting timeframe, the center will be open to voters from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends, the center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Any eligible St. Joseph County voters will be able to vote at this location during those times, regardless of where they live in the county. 

Kalamazoo County

Kalamazoo County voters have several early voting options. Voters in the following municipalities may vote at any of these locations: Alamo Township, Charleston Township, the city of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township, Oshtemo Township, City of Parchment, City of Portage, Prairie Ronde Township, Richland Township, Ross Township, Schoolcraft Township, Texas Township, Wakeshma Township: 

• Douglass Community Association, 1000 W. Paterson St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
• Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
• Fetzer Center at Western Michigan University, 2251 Business Court, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
• Portage Parks and Recreation Department, 320 Library Lane, Portage, MI 49002

More information about early voting is available on the Michigan Department of State’s website.

Watershed Voice questionnaire update

On July 16, Watershed Voice sent out questionnaires to candidates in the 36th House District Republican primary, State Senate District 17 Democratic Primary race, and Three Rivers City Commission nonpartisan District 2 primary race. 

One week later, the following candidates have responded. Their completed questionnaires will be published next week in the order they were received.

State House District 36:

Steve Carra and Luke Lori submitted completed questionnaires. Max Coon did not respond.

State Senate District 17:

Mike Jones and Brett Muchow submitted their completed questionnaires. Ashleigh Baker did not respond. 

Three Rivers District 2:

Steven Haigh and Josh Hoeppner submitted their completed questionnaires. Maurice D. Kelly did not respond. 

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.