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How to vote in Michigan’s 2026 November election

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Elections
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September 10, 2026

This guide is intended to help voters understand how to register, choose a voting method, and make a voting plan ahead of the November 3 election. Watershed Voice will publish additional election coverage closer to Election Day detailing the candidates, races, and ballot proposals voters will see locally and statewide. Since ballots differ depending on where a voter lives, readers can view their sample ballot through the Michigan Voter Information Center once it is available.

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Latest in State
EPA proposal could reduce public input on some data center permits as Dowagiac debate continues
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Dowagiac
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July 15, 2026

According to reporting by NBC news, the EPA has proposed eliminating a federal requirement that states provide a 30-day public comment period before issuing certain air permits for facilities the agency classifies as “minor sources” of pollution. Instead of it being federal law, states would individually decide whether public comment is offered.  The proposal comes as the Trump administration has pushed to accelerate artificial intelligence infrastructure across the country.

Congress passes major housing bill as Southwest Michigan faces affordability challenges
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News
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July 14, 2026

For communities across Southwest Michigan, the bill could eventually affect how local housing projects move forward. In areas like Kalamazoo County, where housing development has increasingly become part of conversations around population growth and affordability, faster development approvals and expanded federal funding could create more opportunities for new construction. In smaller communities throughout St. Joseph and Cass counties, where older housing stock and limited inventory often create challenges for both renters and buyers, easier access to smaller mortgages and expanded manufactured housing options could provide additional paths to homeownership. Housing experts caution, however, that the bill is not expected to produce immediate results.

What the Supreme Court’s transgender sports ruling means for Michigan
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News
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July 8, 2026

The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld state laws that bar transgender girls and women from participating on girls' and women's sports teams, ruling unanimously that the laws do not violate the federal civil rights law Title IX. Michigan does not have a statewide law prohibiting transgender students from participating on school sports teams. Instead, the state has civil rights protections that prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. As a result, legal advocates say Tuesday's ruling does not automatically change how Michigan schools handle transgender student-athlete participation.

Early guide to Michigan’s August 4 primary election
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News
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June 24, 2026

While many voters focus on November, the primary narrows the field in races that will shape state and local government for years to come. Watershed Voice has assembled this early guide to help readers prepare well in advance. Additional candidate profiles, questionnaires, and proposal explainers will be published closer to Election Day.

Michigan senator introduces statewide data center moratorium package
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State
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June 9, 2026

Republican State Senator Jim Runestad has introduced a package of three bills that would temporarily halt new data center development across Michigan until April 1, 2027. The trio of bills—Senate Bills 1018, 1019, and 1020—each target a different aspect of data center development, an issue that has become increasingly contentious in communities across the state. 

During Sunshine Week, Tlaib pushes bill to strengthen press and whistleblower protections
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News
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March 18, 2026

The legislation is named after Daniel Ellsberg, the Pentagon Papers whistleblower who revealed classified information about the Vietnam War and was charged under the Espionage Act. The charges were later dismissed. At its core, the bill would narrow who can be prosecuted under the Espionage Act and raise the legal threshold required for conviction.

Michigan voter group turns in 750K signatures for “citizens-only” voting amendment
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News
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March 6, 2026

On Wednesday afternoon, Americans for Citizen Voting submitted roughly 750,000 petition signatures — more than 300,000 above the 446,198 valid signatures required, or 10% of the votes cast for governor in the previous election cycle — to place the measure before voters in November 2026. If approved by voters, the amendment would add language to the Michigan Constitution stating that only U.S. citizens may vote in state and local elections, require voters to present photo identification before casting a ballot, and direct state officials to conduct additional verification of voter rolls to remove non-citizens.

Cass County prosecutor criticizes commissioners over withdrawn pay step request; board approves home repair pilot letter
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Dowagiac
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February 24, 2026

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz also objected to comments made during a February 5 meeting suggesting raises should not be granted for superficial reasons. “The meeting was ended with a humiliating commentary that we can’t give a raise to somebody just because 'I like your pretty face' or because they 'look good,'” Prosecutor Victor Fitz said. “(Office Manager) Amanda Smego was absolutely humiliated by that, her family was humiliated, my office felt humiliated, and other persons who saw this unfold felt the same way.” Fitz distributed a written list to commissioners outlining reasons he believes Smego deserves the proposed step increase.

Watershed Voice holiday resource guide
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Local
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December 22, 2025

Last week Kalamazoo, Sturgis, and Three Rivers had city commission meetings. In all three meetings, independent of each other, homelessness and ways the city can address it was discussed. As the holidays approach and cold weather continues, Watershed Voice compiled a list of all the resources available for those who need it most in St. Joseph, Cass, and Kalamazoo counties.  This guide lists shelter, warming, food and crisis resources available during the holiday period. Availability and capacity can change quickly, especially during extreme weather.

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