The primary election is coming up at the beginning of August. For those living in Newaygo County, see our voting guide below to help you know what's going to be on the ballot.

 

NEWAYGO COUNTY BALLOT GUIDE

Date: Tuesday, August 4

Polling Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Additional Resources:

• VOTING PRECINCT MAP
• EARLY VOTING SITES & HOURS
• POLLING PLACE INFO

 

*STATE OFFICIALS*

 

State Governor

All TWPs and Cities

• Jocelyn Benson, Democrat

• Mike Cox, Republican

• John James, Republican

• Perry Johnson, Republican

• Aric Nesbitt, Republican

• Chris Swanson, Democrat

U.S. Senator

All TWPs and Cities

• Abdul El-Sayed, Democrat

• Mallory McMarrow, Democrat

• Mike Rogers, Republican

• Haley Stevens, Democrat

U.S. Congress (2nd District)

All TWPs and Cities

• Ben Ambrose, Democrat

• Jamie Hill, Democrat

• John Moolenaar, Republican

• Clyde Welford, Democrat 

State Senator (33rd District)

All TWPs and Cities

• Katie DeBoer, Republican

• Joseph Fox, Republican

• Gina Johnson, Republican

• Thomas Norton, Republican

• Stan Opal, Democrat

State Representative (101st District)

All TWPs and Cities

• Gary Anderson, Republican

• Christopher Crain, Democrat

• Dallas Dean Jr., Democrat

• Jaxon Deur, Republican

• Luke Eising, Republican

• Ben Townsend, Republican

• Rich Vance, Republican

 

*COUNTY OFFICIALS*

 

County Convention Delegate

Delegates listed and voted for listed TWP/City

• Gary Anderson, Republican (Sherman TWP)

• Curt Bengtsson, Republican (Denver TWP)

• Furlo Bengtsson, Democrat (Sherman TWP)

• Douglas Berends, Republican (Grant TWP)

• Jennie Chatman, Democrat (Croton TWP)

• Sarah Cummins, Republican (Sheridan TWP)

• Brian Ferris, Republican (Brooks TWP)

• Pauline Ferris, Republican (Brooks TWP)

• Vince Follett, Republican (Croton TWP)

• Brian Frens, Republican (Dayton TWP)

• Carol Sue Frens, Republican (Dayton TWP)

• Deborah Frisbey, Republican (City of White Cloud)

• Michele Guppy, Republican (Ensley TWP)

• Randy Guppy, Republican (Ensley TWP)

• Nicole Hall, Republican (City of Fremont - P1)

• Joan Hayes, Republican (Brooks TWP)

• Bob Hayes, Republican (Brooks TWP)

• Jennifer Hollowell, Republican (Sheridan Charter TWP)

• Jerry Jaquish, Republican (Wilcox TWP)

• Bill Johnson, Republican (Dayton TWP)

• Karla Johnson, Republican (Sherman TWP)

• Steve Johnson, Republican (Sherman TWP)

• Lou Ann Johnson, Republican (City of Fremont - P2)

• Maggie Kolk, Republican (Sheridan Charter TWP)

• Michelle Kuikstra, Republican (Big Prarie TWP)

• Cindy Lowe, Democrat (Lincoln TWP

• John Luce, Republican (Barton TWP)

• Ellen McIntee, Democrat (Sherman TWP)

• Terence McIntee, Democrat (Sherman TWP)

• Nacy Neve, Republican (Big Prarie TWP)

• Chad Palmiter, Republican (Brooks TWP)

• Jeff Pols, Republican (Croton TWP)

• Gloria Renner, Republican (Croton TWP)

• Ryan Seyferth, Republican (Sherman TWP)

• Thomas Smith, Republican (Brooks TWP)

• Glen Sparks, Republican (Dayton TWP)

• Michael Stack, Republican (Croton TWP)

• Deb Steenstra, Republican (Grant TWP)

• Rick Steenstra, Republican (Grant TWP)

• Thomas Thiebout, Republican (Sheridan Charter TWP)

• Ken Thorne, Republican (Ensley TWP)

• Lisa VanHouten, Republican (City of Fremont - P1)

• Scott VanSingel, Republican (Grant TWP

• Sally Wagoner, Democrat (Croton TWP)

• Lois Waldron, Republican (Ensley TWP)

• Alicia Webber, Republican (Brooks TWP)

 

*COUNTY & SCHOOL PROPOSALS*

 

Big Jackson Public Schools Operating Millage Proposal

Barton TWP, Bridgeton TWP, Home TWP, Merrill TWP, Monroe TWP, Norwich TWP

• This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy its authorized millage rate on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance and restores millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963.

• Shall the currently authorized millage rate limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Big Jackson Public Schools, Newaygo County, Michigan, be renewed by 17.7449 mills ($17.7449 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 8 years, 2027 to 2034, inclusive, and also be increased by .5 mill ($0.50 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 8 years, 2027 to 2034, inclusive, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $287,950 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2026 levy and the addition of millage which will be levied only to the extent necessary to restore millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963)?

Grant Public Schools Operating Millage Renewal Proposal

Ashland TWP, Ensley TWP, Garfield TWP, City of Grant, Grant TWP

• This proposal renews millage and will allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its full revenue per pupil foundation allowance and renews millage that will expire with the 2026 tax levy.

• Shall the currently authorized millage rate limitation of 18.0953 mills ($18.0953 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Grant Public Schools, Newaygo, Kent and Muskegon Counties, Michigan, be renewed for a period of 4 years, 2027 to 2030, inclusive, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $1,821,193 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2026 tax levy)?

Morley Stanwood Community Schools Operating Millage Proposal

Big Prarie TWP, Goodwell TWP

• This proposal will allow the school district to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its full revenue per pupil foundation allowance and restores millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963.

• Shall the currently authorized millage rate limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Morley Stanwood Community Schools, Mecosta, Montcalm and Newaygo Counties, Michigan, be renewed by 17.5545 mills ($17.5545 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 3 years, 2027, 2028, and 2029, and also be increased by .4455 mill ($.4455 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 3 years, 2027, 2028, and 2029, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $2,602,990 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2026 levy and a restoration of millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963)?

Tri County Area Schools Operating Millage Proposal

Croton TWP, Ensley TWP

• This proposal will replace expiring millage and allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance.

• Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Tri County Area Schools, Montcalm, Kent and Newaygo Counties, Michigan, be increased by 18 mills ($18.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 4 years, 2027 to 2030, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $3,377,472 (this millage replaces millage that will expire with the 2026 tax levy)?

Walkerville Public Schools Operating Millage Proposal

Barton TWP, Troy TWP

• This proposal will replace expiring millage and allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance.

• Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Walkerville Public Schools, Oceana, Newaygo and Mason Counties, Michigan, be increased by 19 mills ($19.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 10 years, 2027 to 2036, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $868,196 (this millage replaces millage that will expire with the 2026 tax levy)?

White Cloud Public Schools Operating Millage Proposal

Big Prarie TWP, Denver TWP, Everett TWP, Goodwell TWP, Lincoln TWP, Merrill TWP, Monroe TWP, Norwich TWP, Sherman TWP, City of White Cloud, Wilcox TWP

• This proposal will replace expiring millage and allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance.

• Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in White Cloud Public Schools, Newaygo County, Michigan, be increased by 19.4 mills ($19.40 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 7 years, 2026 to 2032, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2026 is approximately $2,263,070 (this millage replaces millage that will expire with the 2026 tax levy)?

 

*TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS*

 

Bridgeton Township Treasurer

Bridgeton TWP

• Charity Jimenez, Republican

Bridgeton Township Trustee

Bridgeton TWP

• Kathleen Clough, Republican

Denver Township Clerk

Denver TWP

• Nicki McWilliams, Republican

Denver Township Treasurer

Denver TWP

• Sherrilee Craner, Democrat

Goodwell Township Treasurer

Goodwell TWP

• Leona Harvey, Republican

Home Township Clerk

Home TWP

• Theresa Ouderkirk, Democrat

Home Township Trustee

Home TWP

• Austin Snyder, Republican

Merrill Township Trustee

Merrill TWP

• Charles Dryer, Republican

• Ashely Miles, Republican

Monroe Township Supervisor

Monroe TWP

• Jacob Bills, Republican

Monroe Township Clerk

Monroe TWP

• No candidates listed.

Sheridan Charter Township Trustee

Sheridan Charter TWP

• Theodore Rancour, Democrat

Troy Township Treasurer

Sheridan Charter TWP

• Susan Hollar, Democrat

 

*TOWNSHIP & DISTRICT PROPOSALS*

 

Ashland Township Fire Equipment Millage

Ashland TWP

• Shall the previous voted millage increase in the tax limitations imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Ashland Township of ½ mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value), which have been reduced to .4963 mills by required millage rollbacks be renewed and increased to the original voted ½ mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) and levied for 4 years (2027 through 2030 inclusive) for the purpose of funding capital expenditures in the Fire Equipment Fund and paid to the Ashland-Grant Fire District under the joint fire protection contract between Ashland and Grant Townships and the City of Grant; and shall the Township levy such increase in millage for said purpose during said period, thereby, raising in the first year an estimated $59,200?

Ashland Township Fire Protection Millage

Ashland TWP

• Shall the previous voted millage increases in the tax limitations imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Ashland Township of ½ mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value), which has been reduced to .4963 mills by required millage rollbacks be renewed and increased to the original voted ½ mill (.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) and levied for 4 years (2027 through 2030 inclusive) for the purpose of funding fire department operations and paid to the Ashland-Grant Fire District under the joint fire protection contract between Ashland and Grant Townships and the City of Grant; and shall the Township levy such increase in millage for said purpose during said period, thereby raising in the first year an estimated $59,200?

Hesperia Community Library Millage Proposal

Beaver TWP, Denver TWP

• Shall the Hesperia Community Library, Counties of Newaygo and Oceana, be authorized to levy a millage annually in an amount not to exceed 1.1 mills ($1.10 per each $1,000 of taxable value), of which .8490 mill is a renewal of the previously authorized millage rate that expired in 2025 and .251 mill is new additional millage to restore the millage rate previously authorized and provide for additional funding, against all taxable property within the Hesperia Community Library district for a period of eight (8) years, 2026 through 2033, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for all district library purposes authorized by law? The estimate of the revenue the Hesperia Community Library will collect in the first year of levy (2026) if the millage is approved and levied by the Library is approximately $244,000. 

Ensley TWP Road Millage Proposal

Ensley TWP

• Shall Ensley Township increase the tax rate in the constitutional tax rate limitation on general ad valorem taxes in the Township of Ensley be levied at 2 mills ($2.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) and levied annually on all taxable real and personal property for four (4) years, 2027 through 2030, inclusive, for the purpose of maintaining and repairing public roads within the Township?

• This millage renewal would raise an estimated $270,916.86 in the first year of the levy.

Lilley TWP Cemetary Millage Renewal Proposal

Lilley TWP

• Shall the previously voted increase in the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad valorem taxes in Lilley Township of 0.2329 mills ($0.2329 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to 0.2158 mills ($0.2158 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at 0.2158 mills ($0.2158 per $1,000 of taxable value), and shall Lilley Township levy such millage annually for four (4) years, 2027 through 2030, inclusive, to provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the Lilley Township Cemetery, thereby raising an estimated $12,971 in the first year of the levy?

Lilley TWP Fire Protection Services Millage Renewal Proposal

Lilley TWP

• Shall the previously voted increase in the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad valorem taxes in Lilley Township of 1.3991 mills ($1.3991 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to 1.2967 mills ($1.2967 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at 1.2967 mills ($1.2967 per $1,000 of taxable value), and shall Lilley Township levy such millage annually for six (6) years, 2027 through 2032, inclusive, to provide funds for the general operation of the Lilley Township Fire Department and the provision of fire protection services within Lilley Township, thereby raising an estimated $77,942 in the first year of the levy?

Lilley TWP Medical First Responders Millage Renewal Proposal

Lilley TWP

• Shall the previously voted increase in the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad valorem taxes in Lilley Township of 0.4642 mills ($0.4642 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to 0.4301 mills ($0.4301 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at 0.4301 mills ($0.4301 per $1,000 of taxable value), and shall Lilley Township levy such millage annually for six (6) years, 2027 through 2032, inclusive, to provide funds for the operation of the Lilley Township Medical First Response Service in Lilley Township, thereby raising an estimated $25,852 in the first year of the levy?

Lilley TWP Operating Funds Millage Renewal Proposal

Lilley TWP

• Shall the previously voted increase in the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad valorem taxes in Lilley Township of 0.6995 mills ($0.6995 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to 0.6483 mills ($0.6483 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at 0.6483 mills ($0.6483 per $1,000 of taxable value), and shall Lilley Township levy such millage annually for four (4) years, 2027 through 2030, inclusive, to provide funds for the general operation of Lilley Township, thereby raising an estimated $38,968 in the first year of the levy?

Lilley TWP Road Millage Renewal Proposal

Lilley TWP

• Shall the previously voted increase in the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad valorem taxes in Lilley Township of 0.9591 mills ($0.9591 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to 0.8644 mills ($0.8644 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at 0.8644 mills ($0.8644 per $1,000 of taxable value), and shall Lilley Township levy such millage annually for four (4) years, 2027 through 2030, inclusive, to provide funds for the operation of public roads in Lilley Township, thereby raising an estimated $51,957 in the first year of the levy?

Lilley TWP Waste & Transfer Station Millage Renewal Proposal

Lilley TWP

• Shall the previously voted increase in the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad valorem taxes in Lilley Township of 2.3980 mills ($2.3980 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to 2.1616 mills ($2.1616 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at 2.1616 mills ($2.1616 per $1,000 of taxable value), and shall Lilley Township levy such millage annually for six (6) years, 2027 through 2032, inclusive, to provide funds for the operation of the Lilley Township Waste & Transfer Station, thereby raising an estimated $129,929 in the first year of the levy?

Norwich TWP EMS Millage Renewal Proposal

Norwich TWP

• Shall the previously voted increase in the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad valorem taxes in Norwich Township of 1 mill ($1 per $1,000 of taxable value), be renewed at 1 mill ($1 per $1,000), and shall Norwich Township levy such millage annually for three (3) years, 2026 through 2028, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for EMS (ambulance) services within the Township?

• If approved and levied, this millage would raise an estimated $32,251.41 in the first year of the levy.

Norwich TWP Fire Protection Millage Renewal Proposal

Norwich TWP

• Shall the previously voted increase in the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad valorem taxes in Norwich Township of 1 mill ($1 per $1,000 of taxable value), be renewed at 1 mill ($1 per $1,000), and shall Norwich Township levy such millage annually for three (3) years, 2026 through 2028, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds to purchase fire extinguishing apparatus and equipment and for the maintenance and operation of fire protection within the Township?

• If approved and levied, this millage would raise an estimated $32,251.41 in the first year of the levy.

Norwich TWP Road Millage Renewal Proposal

Norwich TWP

• Shall the previously voted increase in the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad valorem taxes in Norwich Township of 3 mills ($3 per $1,000 of taxable value), be renewed at 3 mills ($3 per $1,000), and shall Norwich Township levy such millage annually for three (3) years, 2026 through 2028, inclusive, for the purpose of improving and repairing roads within the Township?

• If approved and levied, this millage would raise an estimated $96,754.21 in the first year of the levy. All or a portion of the revenues from this millage will be disbursed to the Newaygo County Road Commission.

Troy TWP Millage Renewal Proposition 0.4998 for Cemetary Maintenance, Repair, & Upkeep Purposes

Troy TWP

• Shall the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution on the amount of general ad valorem taxes within Troy Township, currently 0.4998 mill ($.4988 per $1,000 of taxable value), be renewed and levied for four years, 2026-2029, both inclusive, subject to reduction as provided by law, on taxable property in the Township to provide funds for maintenance, repair and upkeep of the cemetery and building at the Troy Township Cemetery?

• It is estimated that a levy of 0.4998 would provide revenue of $6,456 in the first calendar year. The revenue from this millage levy will be disbursed to the Township of Troy.