Ah, November. It means freezing football games, Thanksgiving...oh, and voting! While it may not be the presidential or gubernatorial (state governor) elections, it is always important to exercise your voting rights.
The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming November 7th elections was October 10th. Michigan was one of the many universities taking part in The Big Ten Voting Challenge, which aims to increase the number of eligible student voters across the country and encourage participation at the polls for all elections. This friendly competition encouraged students to get involved and represent young people at the polling booths this November.
Registration may be over, but our votes have yet to be cast. If you’re a registered voter in Ann Arbor, be sure you’re informed about the candidates and issues before heading to the ballot box on November 7th.
Are you already registered to vote but don’t know where to go on election day? The City of Ann Arbor also runs a nifty voting map to help you find your ward, precinct, and polling location.
Ann Arbor’s local election in November 2017 will contain the following contests and proposals:
Elections for Ann Arbor City Council:
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For the Ward 1 seat, Anne Bannister (D) is running unopposed.
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For the Ward 2 seat, Jared Hoffert (D) and Jane Lumm (None) are running.
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For the Ward 3 seat, Zachary Ackerman (D) is running unopposed.
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For the Ward 4 seat, John E. Easton (D) and Diane Giannola (None) are running.
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For the Ward 5 seat, Chip Smith (D) and Ali Ramlawi (None) are running.
For more information on these candidates, visit Ann Arbor Votes!
Ann Arbor’s November ballot will also include these proposals for Washtenaw County:
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A millage for Washtenaw County’s Community Health and Public Safety efforts involving mental health and law enforcement services. The millage, if passed, would raise property taxes by $1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value. The resulting estimated revenue for the first year is $15,433,608 and would be split amongst Washtenaw County’s Community Mental Health Department, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, and other jurisdictions that manage their own police force. These resources would be used for supporting community mental health needs and law enforcement services.
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A proposal to renew a special education millage for the intermediate school district. This millage would allow a property tax of $0.9719 per $1,000 of taxable value to continue for 8 years (2018-2025). The resulting estimated revenue for the first year is $15,200,000 which would allow continued support for the education for students with disabilities in the intermediate school district.
For more information about these proposals, check out the City of Ann Arbor’s Elections Page.
Go Blue and Go Vote!
-Contributed by Austin McCall, Neighborhood Ambassador-Elbel