Lansing — Michigan residents will be able to begin voting this week in the state’s Aug. 4 primary election with nominations for governor, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House and the Legislature hanging in the balance.

Under the Michigan Constitution, by Thursday — 40 days before Election Day — clerks have to ensure that absentee ballots are available for voters and that ballot dropboxes, through which the ballots can be returned, are accessible.

Michael Siegrist, the clerk in Canton Township, said this week marks the start of the election.

“Most of the voters in Michigan are going to have a ballot in their hand within the next week or two,” Siegrist said.

Siegrist, a Democrat and the president of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks, was referring to the fact that most of the vote in the primary election is expected to come through absentee ballots.

In the August 2024 primary election, as an example, about 65% of the vote in Michigan’s largest county, Wayne County, came via absentee ballots.

Adrian Hemond, a Michigan political consultant and CEO of the firm Grassroots Midwest, said it will be difficult this year for candidates who go into Election Day behind their opponents on absentee ballots to catch up.

“It’s basically the election,” Hemond said of the absentee ballot window.

A larger portion of the vote in primaries comes through absentee ballots than in general elections because there’s usually a smaller pool of voters in primaries and primary participants tend to be more educated about their ballot options.

(FOX 2) – Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel is stepping down from her position, the governor’s office announced.

Hertel led the division for several years while serving under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, including during the pandemic. While she will be tackling a new chapter in her career, it’s unclear where her next position will be. 

Amy Epkey has been promoted to acting director of the agency. She will assume the role on July 1.

What they’re saying:

“Amy Epkey brings decades of experience in state government and a proven record of leadership, and I am confident she will continue the important work of the Department of Health and Human Services,” the governor said in a statement. “I also want to thank Director Hertel for her dedicated service to our state. Under her leadership, MDHHS helped Michigan navigate unprecedented challenges, expanded access to health care, strengthened behavioral health services, and improved outcomes for families across our state.”

Dig deeper:

Epkey previously worked in the financial operations administration at MDHHS, overseeing the agency’s $40 billion budget, contracts and grants, as well as finance and accounting.

Epkey has also worked within the state’s environmental and agricultural departments. 

Zoom out:

Hertel cited the expansion of behavioral health services, designing two new state-of-the-art psychiatric hospitals, as well as launching the Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda as among her accomplishments. 

SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) – Lane closures begin today across mid-Michigan for bridge inspections on M-13 and US-23 and ongoing road work on M-71 in Owosso and Smith Road in Argentine Township. Owosso Public Schools will ask voters Aug. 4 to approve a $38 million bond for building upgrades. Plus, volunteers will paint homes, repair roofs and plant trees along three Saginaw streets this week as part of the 13th annual One Week, One Street program.

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