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Elections

What drove turnout in St. Joseph County’s August primary?

County records show 12,200 ballots were cast in Tuesday’s primary election. By comparison, 13,544 ballots were cast during the August 2024 primary, when turnout reached about 27%, and 13,472 ballots were cast during the August 2020 primary, which saw roughly 29% turnout. This year’s election saw 1,344 fewer ballots cast than in 2024 — a decrease of about 9.9%.  As of August 5, St. Joseph County had 49,226 registered voters, putting overall turnout for Tuesday’s primary at approximately 25%.

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2026 Primary Election results part 2: El-Sayed wins Democratic Senate nomination, incumbent Steve Carra advances

El-Sayed narrowly won the Democratic nomination, receiving 48.48% of the vote (740,950 votes), while Stevens received 47.51% (726,057 votes). Former candidate Mallory McMorrow, who withdrew from the race in early July, still received more than 50,000 votes. While some votes are still being counted across the state, the Associated Press has called the race for El-Sayed.

2026 Primary Election results: Haigh, Hoeppner advance in Three Rivers second district commissioner race

In the Three Rivers City Commission Second District primary, Josh Hoeppner received the most votes, receiving 43.29% of the vote (410 votes). Incumbent Steven Haigh finished second, with 33.79% of the vote (320 votes). The two advance to November's general election, where they will face-off head-to-head.

Polls open for Michigan’s primary election, a final reminder

Primary Election Day has arrived in Michigan with voters across St. Joseph, Cass, and Kalamazoo counties heading to the polls Tuesday to choose party nominees for statewide office, narrow down local races ahead of the November general election, and for some, decide on millages.  Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any voter in line by 8 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot.

Everything you need to know before Tuesday’s primary election

For those planning to vote early this weekend or head to the polls Tuesday, Watershed Voice has assembled this final election guide. Below you’ll find links to every candidate questionnaire we published, summaries of the local races we covered, an overview of the major statewide contests, information on local ballot proposals, and everything you need to know before casting your ballot.

Early voting begins July 25; Watershed Voice candidate questionnaire update

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. 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.

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