Voting on the Big Issues
Insights from Northern Michigan’s Political Groups on the 2024 Election
With just a few weeks to go before Election Day, northern Michigan voters are gearing up to weigh in on everything from proposals that will impact their communities to the race for the next president of the United States. With big decisions ahead, Northern Express reached out to political organizations across the region to get the inside scoop on the key issues and priorities shaping this November’s ballot.
A note to readers: Though a few have been edited for length, we have printed these responses as they came from the organizations. In the event that we could not verify a claim they have made or if a statement required clarification, we have included an editor’s note.
We also reached out to the following organizations, who did not return requests for comment: Otsego Republicans, Leelanau Republicans, Emmet County Democrats, Emmet County Republicans, and Antrim County Republicans. The League of Women Voters of Northern Lower Michigan opted not to participate.
Antrim County Democratic Party
Lawrence Peck, Member
What’s the biggest issue you see on your local ballot?
The biggest issue on our local ballot is the race for Antrim County Clerk. A MAGA candidate, Victoria Bishop, aims to restrict voting for those who don’t share her views. In response, the former clerk [Sheryl Guy, a former Republican], who had planned to retire, is running as a write-in candidate. She has been vilified by the far-right, so this will be a difficult task, but she has our support as someone who will do the job as it should be done, in a non-partisan way with integrity.
Which issue is under the radar that voters should know more about?
One easily overlooked issue is Trump’s plan to turn 50,000 non-political government jobs into political appointments, placing his loyalists in key government roles, and potentially undermining the U.S. Constitution. He already tried this at the end of 2020, but it was immediately reversed by Biden. If re-elected, Trump could push the plan again with no clear obstacles, leading to a system reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. Voters should be aware of the long-term impact this could have on government integrity.
Grand Traverse County Republican Party
Katie Kniss, Chair
What’s the biggest issue you see on your local ballot?
Many local ballot proposals involve millage renewals, where voters must assess whether past funds were well spent. A key race is for Michigan’s House of Representatives, as Democrats currently hold a one-seat majority. Voters in Grand Traverse, Benzie, and Leelanau will choose between Democrat Betsy Coffia and Republican Lisa Trombley. We want to bring balance back to Michigan to prevent partisan policies that could lead to high taxes, high crime, businesses leaving, and sanctuary for hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants, so our state is relying on Republican and Independent voters to turn out and vote.
Which issue is under the radar that voters should know more about?
Voters need to know that while House Representative Betsy Coffia campaigns as a moderate, her voting record leans radical liberal left. She supports big government control over local zoning and allowing solar farms and wind turbines across our beautiful northern Michigan landscape. She wants forced unions for small businesses, sanctuary cities and voting privileges for illegal immigrants, and gun confiscation.* Her policies are out of touch and dangerous to our values in the north, and it’s important for voters to see the truth about her positions.
*Editor’s note: Northern Express could not verify these policies.
Grand Traverse Democratic Party
Harold Lassers, Communications Officer
What’s the biggest issue you see on your local ballot?
The Democratic candidates and Grand Traverse Democrats believe that the County Board of Commissioners should adopt ethics standards that commit the members to the rules of ethics and transparency. This has been previously rejected by the current chair [Rob Hentschel, District 5] and vice chair [Brad Jewett, District 4]. Some commissioners opposed having an ethics standard and refused to support timely and transparent reporting of expenses charged to the county. Voters should support commissioners who support an ethics standard, transparency, and following the same rules we demand of county employees.
Which issue is under the radar that voters should know more about?
The County Board of Commissioners needs to act on critical community issues like housing and homelessness and the childcare crisis. The Board of Commissioners chair [Rob Hentschel, District 5] has claimed this is not an issue for the county. We believe this [housing] is a critical issue for the welfare of our community and we believe work can be done by the BOC to play a role in solving these issues. It’s important to elect candidates who support this position.
Leelanau County Democratic Party
Barb Conley and Brigid Hart, Co-chairs
What’s the biggest issue you see on your local ballot?
The biggest issue on the local ballot is … maintaining a Democratic majority in the Michigan House. Re-electing Betsy Coffia in our swing District 103 is also a priority, as she understands our community and has worked bipartisanly on education, housing, reproductive choice, and government transparency. We’re also focused on electing Elissa Slotkin to the Senate for her expertise in agriculture and national security. Additionally, we aim to preserve the Democratic majority in our County Commission, which prioritizes universal broadband, a county-wide sanitary code, and fiscal responsibility.
Which issue is under the radar that voters should know more about?
An under-the-radar issue is the importance of voting for the Democratic nominees for Michigan Supreme Court: Kyra Bolden, currently appointed, and Kimberly Ann Thomas, a University of Michigan law professor. They will appear on the nonpartisan section of the ballot. Depending on this election, the Michigan Supreme Court could remain majority Democrat or flip to majority Republican if Republican nominees Andrew Fink—who is affiliated with the Federalist Society—and Bill O’Grady, a conservative constitutional textualist, win. Voters should be aware of the potential impact on the court’s direction.
LWV (League of Women Voters) of the Grand Traverse Area
Christina Schlitt, President
What’s the biggest issue you see on your local ballot?
There are several including the crucial but underreported election of State Board of Education members as well as the election of State Supreme Court Justices. Meanwhile, voters should be informed on the pros and cons of two charter amendments regarding Traverse City’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Addressing homelessness and exploring viable housing alternatives or enhancing mental health programs and facilities are also significant concerns that require more attention.
Which issue is under the radar that voters should know more about?
An under-the-radar issue is the county’s expected receipt of approximately $5.6 million in opioid funds over 15-18 years, with around $1.3 million already received. The Board of Commissioners (BOC) declined requests for about $4,000 to support a Sheriff’s Department quick response team, drug court, and a syringe disposal program, citing concerns about funding permanent positions with one-time money. They only approved $39,500 for drug court without the position. The Opioid Task Force has been dissolved, and the BOC will now manage the funds, with advisory roles for former task force members. A strategic plan document is forthcoming.
LWV of Leelanau County
President Nancy Duck and Vice President Julie Tarr
What’s the biggest issue you see on your local ballot?
The biggest issue on the local ballot is defending democracy by empowering voters. While the League of Women Voters is nonpartisan, it focuses on educating voters about candidates’ positions on key issues through voter registration assistance, candidate forums, and local 411 voter guides available at Vote411.org. The League also advocates for public policy on various topics, including early childhood support and water quality, while promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion. For the November election, the League aims to enhance voter participation and inform voters about candidates for the County Board of Commissioners through nonpartisan candidate forums.
Which issue is under the radar that voters should know more about?
The local housing shortage is a point of discussion and education for the league this fall while an under-the-radar issue is ensuring every eligible person is registered to vote, which strengthens our democracy. The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County actively encourages voter registration throughout the year. If you’re a resident of a Michigan municipality and haven’t voted, it’s essential to register and make your voice heard. We want every eligible voter to participate in every election. Registration can be done online or in-person through your local clerk, and information is available at Vote411.org.
Northern Michigan Affiliate of the Libertarian Party of Michigan
Cory Dean, Political Director
What’s the biggest issue you see on your local ballot? Which issue is under the radar that voters should know more about?
Straight ticket voting is both the biggest issue and the most under the radar issue. Many feel that it limits support for quality candidates from both parties. People should have some incentive to get to know who they are voting for and have the chance to see that many ballots have Independents and great third party options.
We have choices outside of the traditional two parties, but only if you take the time and look the ballot over before casting your votes. We have better choices other than the two big parties, and if we want something different we need to vote something different! To bring about change, voters should consider splitting their tickets or at least review all options before choosing a straight-party ballot. Engaging with the full ballot can lead to more informed decisions and better representation.
Otsego County Democratic Party
Patricia Morscheck, Chair
What’s the biggest issue you see on your local ballot?
There is much at stake in this year’s election, even at the local level. Roads, housing, child care, and schools are only some of the issues facing Otsego County families. One big issue that failed to reach the November ballot was a proposed constitutional amendment that called for the elimination of property taxes in Michigan. In addition to devastating funding for our schools it would end local tax support for the library, sportsplex, county park, and Commission on Aging, plus more services like animal control, bus and ambulance, and recycling. Imagine life in Otsego County without these important services.
Which issue is under the radar that voters should know more about?
Another issue voters should know more about is continuing our local funding for the Otsego County Commission on Aging (OCCOA). In May, county commissioners approved a millage request for five years that would cut the one mill rate that voters had routinely approved for the past 20 years to .8929 of a mill. Some commissioners discussed cutting the rate in half. But even this small reduction will cut future OCCOA funding by more than $800,000 over the five-year cycle. Supporting the OCCOA millage has been very popular with county voters, gaining 79 percent approval in 2019.
Straits Area Libertarian Party
Andy Evans, Chairperson and current candidate for Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners
What’s the biggest issue you see on your local ballot?
A big issue for Libertarians has been the ever-increasing number of federal, state, and local mandates imposed on the people, which impact their constitutional rights to free movement, free speech, self-defense, and the freedom to conduct commerce where and when they choose. Libertarians aim to remove administrative and emergency powers, decentralize authority, and eliminate most business and occupational licensing. We encourage voters to seek out candidates who truly believe in limited government.
Which issue is under the radar that voters should know more about?
An unfortunate and under-the-radar issue is the modern practice of “economic development,” where billions of tax dollars are funneled into development programs. Both Democrats and Republicans have allocated hundreds of millions to corporations, ostensibly to encourage business in Michigan. However, these programs often invite corruption and are unnecessary. Lower overall tax rates would better stimulate economic growth without the need for corporate handouts.
Wexford County Democratic Party
Bill Allen, Chair
What’s the biggest issue you see on your local ballot?
In Wexford County, our biggest challenge is to maintain the majority in the Michigan House. We are working hard to elect veteran Christopher Crain in the 101st House District, currently held by Republican Joseph Fox. Flipping this seat would dramatically help hold the majority in the house.
Which issue is under the radar that voters should know more about?
An under-the-radar issue that voters should be aware of is the challenge posed by PFAS contamination. Although the Wexford County Democratic Party has not yet actively engaged with this topic, as time goes on I’m sure we will.
Wexford County Republicans
Emily DeBoer, Chair
What’s the biggest issue you see on your local ballot?
Elections are won at the local level. The state majority was lost for conservatives in 2022, and since then, extreme legislation and a massive, record-breaking $82.5 billion budget was crammed through the legislature with little bipartisan cooperation. Even though Wexford County voted red, we had only a 56 percent voter turnout in 2022 and a 62 percent turnout in 2020, showing extreme vulnerability for future elections. If we want to see positive changes in our state, and a return to conservative values, citizens need to Get Out The Vote!
Which issue is under the radar that voters should know more about?
Changes have occurred in recent years as to how we vote, especially following the passing of the 2022 Proposal 2. There are different schools of thought as to how to interpret the impact of these changes. Whether we like them or not, these changes are now part of our amended state constitution. Accordingly, we should now vote early—whether in person or by absentee ballot. Even if you choose not to vote early, make sure you Get Out The Vote!