Elections

ELi Voter Guide to the East Lansing Charter Amendment Proposals

ELi Voter Guide to the East Lansing Charter Amendment Proposals

Voters are being asked to consider three amendments on the Nov. 7, 2023, ballot.

EL Council Candidates Try to Distinguish Themselves in Crowded Field at Public Forum

EL Council Candidates Try to Distinguish Themselves in Crowded Field at Public Forum

ELi brings you what candidates had to say about the city’s workforce problem, redevelopment, climate change, public safety and lots more.

ELi’s Voter Guide for the 2023 City Council Election

ELi’s Voter Guide for the 2023 City Council Election

All the information you need to be prepared for the upcoming Nov. 7 election.

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Joshua Ramirez-Roberts

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Joshua Ramirez-Roberts

ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the eighth installment in our series, Dustin DuFort Petty provides a profile of Joshua Ramirez-Roberts. Why is Ramirez-Roberts running?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Mark Meadows

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Mark Meadows

ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the seventh installment in our series, Lucas Day provides a profile of Mark Meadows. Why is Meadows running?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Kerry Ebersole Singh

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Kerry Ebersole Singh

ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the sixth installment in our series, Dustin DuFort Petty provides a profile of Kerry Ebersole Singh. Why is Ebersole Singh running?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Dan Bollman

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Dan Bollman

ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the fifth in our series, Dustin DuFort Petty provides a profile of Dan Bollman. Why is Bollman running?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Rebecca Kasen

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Rebecca Kasen

ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the third installment in our series, Mya Gregory provides a profile of Rebecca Kasen. Why is Kasen running?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Christopher Wardell

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Christopher Wardell

ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the third installment in our series, Mya Gregory provides a profile of Christopher Wardell. Why is Wardell running?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Noel Garcia

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Noel Garcia

ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the second installment in our series, Mya Gregory provides a profile of Noel Garcia. Why is Garcia running?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Erik Altmann

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Erik Altmann

ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the first installment in our series, Lucas Day provides a profile of Erik Altmann. Why is Altmann running?

Council Could Change Voting Years from Odd to Even, But Mayor Says It Won’t

Council Could Change Voting Years from Odd to Even, But Mayor Says It Won’t

Mayor Ron Bacon says the Council won’t initiate a resolution to make the change, as he says the idea was to involve a “democratic sorting of that issue.”

ELi and League of Women Voters Ask What Voters Want to Know about EL Council Candidates

ELi and League of Women Voters Ask What Voters Want to Know about EL Council Candidates

Responses will be used to generate questions for the public candidate forum set for Sept. 14 at the Hannah Community Center.

Following Whitmer’s Ruling, Proposed East Lansing Charter Amendment Won’t Go to Ballot
|

Following Whitmer’s Ruling, Proposed East Lansing Charter Amendment Won’t Go to Ballot

The controversial amendment proposing changing City Council elections from odd- to even-numbered years was ruled to conflict with the Home Rule City Act.

Controversial East Lansing Charter Amendment is Now in the Governor’s Hands
|

Controversial East Lansing Charter Amendment is Now in the Governor’s Hands

Four other charter amendments have made it to the ballot, including one that’s confusing even to Council.

Candidates for City Council React to the Hiring of Belleman Over Dempsey
|

Candidates for City Council React to the Hiring of Belleman Over Dempsey

Two candidates say they would have voted for Tim Dempsey, one shows disbelief, others are pragmatic and two haven’t yet responded to ELi.

Kerry Ebersole Singh, Christopher Wardell and Erik Altmann Seek EL Council Seats
|

Kerry Ebersole Singh, Christopher Wardell and Erik Altmann Seek EL Council Seats

The deadline for filing for candidacy in the East Lansing City Council race passed today at 4 p.m. and it looks like there are either seven or eight candidates running for the three open seats on the November ballot. Interim City Clerk Marie Wicks told ELi at 4:54 p.m. today, “I can confirm that Mark…

East Lansing Mayor Pro Tem Jessy Gregg Also Not Running for Reelection

East Lansing Mayor Pro Tem Jessy Gregg Also Not Running for Reelection

“I don’t think I am exaggerating when I saw that this job is slowly killing me,” Gregg wrote in an early-morning announcement today.

East Lansing Mayor Ron Bacon Will Not Run for Reelection

East Lansing Mayor Ron Bacon Will Not Run for Reelection

“I do not intend to run this cycle,” Bacon told ELi Wednesday evening.

East Lansing Native Joshua Ramirez-Roberts Announces Bid for City Council

East Lansing Native Joshua Ramirez-Roberts Announces Bid for City Council

With Ramirez, there are now 5 candidates running for 3 open seats.

Big Stories Simmering in the City of East Lansing
|

Big Stories Simmering in the City of East Lansing

Who has and hasn’t applied to be city manager? Why the chatter about moving city operations? And what’s going on with the independent investigation into the anonymous complaint? ELi brings you up to speed on these stories and more.

Big DDA and Council Meetings Set to Happen Tuesday
|

Big DDA and Council Meetings Set to Happen Tuesday

ELi catches you up on big business in the city coming this Tuesday.

Rebecca Kasen Formally Announces Run for City Council
|

Rebecca Kasen Formally Announces Run for City Council

The list of candidates continues to grow, but no word yet if Bacon and Gregg are running for reelection.

How Interim City Clerk Marie Wicks Thinks about the Charter Amendment Proposals

How Interim City Clerk Marie Wicks Thinks about the Charter Amendment Proposals

As East Lansing’s Council decides whether to put three charter amendments to voters, we asked one experienced local official to articulate the pros and cons.

Charter Amendment Proposals Bring Robust Discussion to June 13 Council Meeting

Charter Amendment Proposals Bring Robust Discussion to June 13 Council Meeting

Two former mayors,Liz Schweitzer and Diane Goddeeris, voiced their opposition to the proposed changes, particularly with regard to shifting council elections to even-numbered years. 

Charter Change Would Dramatically Increase Student Votes in Council Elections. Is that Good or Bad?

Charter Change Would Dramatically Increase Student Votes in Council Elections. Is that Good or Bad?

In advance of Council’s discussion on the matter, ELi brings you two voices in favor and two against.

Change EL’s Council from 5 to 7 Members? This and Lots More on Tuesday’s Agenda.
|

Change EL’s Council from 5 to 7 Members? This and Lots More on Tuesday’s Agenda.

Three big surprises on this coming Tuesday’s City Council agenda.

Dan Bollman and Mark Meadows Are Running for City Council

Dan Bollman and Mark Meadows Are Running for City Council

So far, there are three confirmed candidates for the three open seats this November.

Ask ELi: Who’s Running for City Council, and How Can You Run?
|

Ask ELi: Who’s Running for City Council, and How Can You Run?

Ron Bacon and Jessy Gregg say they’re “undecided,” but Noel Garcia will be running for election in November. ELi explains how the race works and how to run.

Chris Martin Back On East Lansing School Board in 4-2 Vote

Chris Martin Back On East Lansing School Board in 4-2 Vote

The process used for filling the vacant position was decided out of sight of the public.

Applications Being Accepted for Vacant Seat on East Lansing’s School Board

Applications Being Accepted for Vacant Seat on East Lansing’s School Board

The deadline to apply is coming up fast: Feb. 24 at 4 p.m.

Council Delays Decision on Appointee at Special Saturday Session
|

Council Delays Decision on Appointee at Special Saturday Session

The special session of East Lansing’s City Council was held on a holiday weekend and was not broadcast or recorded for the public. Find out from ELi what the candidates said.

Five Finalists Selected for Vacant City Council Seat
|

Five Finalists Selected for Vacant City Council Seat

Council will convene for a special session on Saturday morning. The five candidates will be interviewed, and then a winner will be chosen.

Fourteen People Want to Serve on EL’s Council. What Do Their Applications Show?
|

Fourteen People Want to Serve on EL’s Council. What Do Their Applications Show?

ELi filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain the applications, so members of the public can see them in advance of Council’s vetting and decision. What did the people who want to be seated on East Lansing’s Council give as their qualifications and reasons? Find out.

East Lansing and MSU in the Spotlight of Midterm Elections
|

East Lansing and MSU in the Spotlight of Midterm Elections

Election Day ran smoothly throughout the city, despite long lines of students registering at the last minute to vote.

Preliminary ELPS School Board Results Are in; Library Millage Passes Decisively
| |

Preliminary ELPS School Board Results Are in; Library Millage Passes Decisively

A lively scene downtown, especially at City Clerk sites, indicates high voter turnout in the 2022 Midterm Elections.

Ask ELI: Are Churches Allowed to Put Up Political Signs?

Ask ELI: Are Churches Allowed to Put Up Political Signs?

As this election cycle draws to a close, ELi answers a reader’s question about political signs.

Teachers’ Union Endorses Four School Board Candidates – But Not All Four Running as a Slate
|

Teachers’ Union Endorses Four School Board Candidates – But Not All Four Running as a Slate

The East Lansing Educational Association is backing incumbents Tera Chambers and Kath Edsall, plus newcomers Tali Faris-Hylen and Jim McEvoy.

A Rundown on the General Election in East Lansing
|

A Rundown on the General Election in East Lansing

Haven’t voted yet? Let ELi help get you up to speed.

School Board Candidates Discuss Measures They Support to Create Safe Learning Environments
| |

School Board Candidates Discuss Measures They Support to Create Safe Learning Environments

Readers asked ELi to get candidate views on what measures are needed to create a safer environment for students, teachers and staff at ELPS.

School Board Candidates Speak to Academic Curricula, Physical and Mental Health
| |

School Board Candidates Speak to Academic Curricula, Physical and Mental Health

Five of the 10 candidates on the ballot for four ELPS Board seats respond to a key concern of parents and residents.

Five of 10 School Board Candidates Describe Their Politics
| |

Five of 10 School Board Candidates Describe Their Politics

ELi’s first question to candidates delves into their reasons for running for board and where they are on the political spectrum.

Babcock and Greenwalt Running Unopposed for 54B Judgeships after Martin Loses His Appeal
|

Babcock and Greenwalt Running Unopposed for 54B Judgeships after Martin Loses His Appeal

Chris Martin tells ELi he does not currently plan to try a write-in campaign.

ELI’s Voters’ Guide to the Public Library Millage (Updated)
|

ELI’s Voters’ Guide to the Public Library Millage (Updated)

Renewal of the East Lansing Public Library Millage will appear on the November 8 ballot.

ELi Wants to Know YOUR Questions for the East Lansing School Board Candidates
|

ELi Wants to Know YOUR Questions for the East Lansing School Board Candidates

We need your help articulating questions that will help registered voters decide who to back.

Small Number of East Lansing Residents Have Special Election Coming in May
| |

Small Number of East Lansing Residents Have Special Election Coming in May

The election applies to the small number of East Lansing residents who live within the boundaries of the Lansing School District. Emily Joan Elliott reports on that and the bond proposal they’ll be voting on.

Council Member and School Board VP Running for City’s 54B District Court Judgeship

Council Member and School Board VP Running for City’s 54B District Court Judgeship

How did ELi find out both were intending to run? What else do we know about the 54B District Court elections? Emily Joan Elliott reports.

Dana Watson, George Brookover, and Ron Bacon Elected to City Council

Dana Watson, George Brookover, and Ron Bacon Elected to City Council

With all 17 precincts in the City of East Lansing fully reporting, Dana Watson, George Brookover and Ron Bacon have been elected to City Council, according to unofficial Ingham County results.

Here Comes a New City Council, East Lansing

Here Comes a New City Council, East Lansing

It’s Election Day in East Lansing! Sitting around wondering what to do with yourself until you know who will get those three seats? We have ideas. Want to know more than the candidates’ own PR? We have facts.

East Lansing Insider: A Final Discussion About the City Council Election
| |

East Lansing Insider: A Final Discussion About the City Council Election

Just ahead of the Nov. 2 general election, ELi’s Andrew Graham and Alice Dreger take to the pod and look back at the 2021 City Council race to date. Give it a listen!

Candidate Financial Reports Show Big Differences in Raising, Spending Money
|

Candidate Financial Reports Show Big Differences in Raising, Spending Money

ELi looked through 118 pages of financial reports from candidates for the East Lansing City Council so you don’t have to. What do they reveal?

ELi’s Voter Guide to the 2021 East Lansing City Council Election

ELi’s Voter Guide to the 2021 East Lansing City Council Election

Find out about candidates’ positions, campaign finance analysis, links to videos of the candidates, and so much more in this nonpartisan guide from ELi!

Analysis: Voter Poll Brings the East Lansing City Council Race Into Clearer Focus

Analysis: Voter Poll Brings the East Lansing City Council Race Into Clearer Focus

With the City Council election just a few weeks away, ELi brings you the results of a poll conducted by Practical Political Consulting for East Lansing Info. 

ASMSU Forum Highlights Notable Differences Among 7 Council Candidates

ASMSU Forum Highlights Notable Differences Among 7 Council Candidates

Differences showed up around the City’s rental overlay districts, legislation aimed at limiting when landlords can sign leases, managing the Albert EL Fresco social space, battling racism, and more.

All the East Lansing News We Don’t Know Where to Put
|

All the East Lansing News We Don’t Know Where to Put

City Council candidate forums, the possibility of a new City Attorney, an issue of representation at the Arts Commission, and parliamentary procedure. Alice Dreger brings updates on all that and more!

EL City Council Candidates’ Views on Financial Management

EL City Council Candidates’ Views on Financial Management

With Election Day drawing near, ELi is asking candidates for East Lansing City Council to answer readers’ questions. Here is one of those answers!

EL City Council Candidates Weigh In on City Manager’s Performance, Contract Renewal

EL City Council Candidates Weigh In on City Manager’s Performance, Contract Renewal

With Election Day drawing near, ELi is asking candidates for East Lansing City Council to answer readers’ questions. Here is one of those answers!

City Council Election Forums Now Show Voters Differences in Candidates’ Views

City Council Election Forums Now Show Voters Differences in Candidates’ Views

The Lansing Area League of Women Voters used ELi readers’ questions for their Council candidate forums, and now you can see the responses. Also: find out more about the live candidate debates coming up, hosted by ASMSU.

As Voters Seek to Discern Council Candidates’ Differences, ELi Asks Some Follow-Up Questions
|

As Voters Seek to Discern Council Candidates’ Differences, ELi Asks Some Follow-Up Questions

With the election a little more than a month away, ELi is bringing you information designed to help you see the differences between candidates. 

East Lansing Insider: What Voters Want from City Council Candidates
| | |

East Lansing Insider: What Voters Want from City Council Candidates

Alice Dreger and Andrew Graham bring the results from ELi’s survey of voters for City Council elections. What has voters in the City concerned? Give a listen!

With Only City Council on the Ballot, the City Will Run (and Pay for) November’s Election

With Only City Council on the Ballot, the City Will Run (and Pay for) November’s Election

Why does the City of East Lansing have to take on the cost of this year’s Council election, and why might your vote carry more weight than in other elections? ELi’s Andrew Graham explains.

East Lansing Insider: Interview with Incoming Mayor Jessy Gregg
|

East Lansing Insider: Interview with Incoming Mayor Jessy Gregg

As Jessy Gregg prepares to become East Lansing’s Mayor on August 11, she sits down with ELi’s Andrew Graham to talk local politics and the upcoming City Council election. Give a listen!

What questions do you have for East Lansing’s City Council candidates?

What questions do you have for East Lansing’s City Council candidates?

What issues are guiding who you will vote for in the November 2021 East Lansing City Council race? We would love to hear from you as we develop questions to be used in our election reporting and in public candidate forums.

Could East Lansing Join the Capital Area District Libraries? Your ELPL Questions Answered
|

Could East Lansing Join the Capital Area District Libraries? Your ELPL Questions Answered

In today’s Ask ELi to Investigate, ELi Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott digs into questions we’ve received about the East Lansing Public Library since her report on Monday regarding the library labor dispute.

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Mikey Manuel

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Mikey Manuel

ELi is providing introductions to East Lansing City Council candidates. In the latest installment in our series, Jack Timothy Harrison provides a profile of Mikey Manuel. Why is Manuel running for Council?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate George Brookover

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate George Brookover

ELi is providing introductions to East Lansing City Council candidates. In the latest installment in our series, Jack Timothy Harrison provides a profile of George Brookover. Why is Brookover running?

Local Association Invites Candidates to Host Events in Community

Local Association Invites Candidates to Host Events in Community

The Southeast Marble Community Association (SEMCA) is inviting registered City Council candidates to host “meet-and-greet” community events at Hidden River Park. Why is the group holding the events? What can attendees expect?

With Filing Deadline Passed, 7 are Running for 3 Spots on East Lansing’s Council

With Filing Deadline Passed, 7 are Running for 3 Spots on East Lansing’s Council

We bring you updates on who is running for the two and four-year seats and what may happen with Council following Stephens’ forthcoming resignation in August. We also tell you how to apply to serve in the seat being vacated by Stephens.

East Lansing Insider: Meeting Mark Meadows
|

East Lansing Insider: Meeting Mark Meadows

Alice Dreger and Emily Joan Elliott interview Mark Meadows who had served as Mayor and later as a Council member before resigning in July 2020. Meadows shares who he is endorsing in the upcoming Council elections, why he resigned, and his role in the community now.

Your ELi: How We’re Handling a Twist in the 2021 Council Race
|

Your ELi: How We’re Handling a Twist in the 2021 Council Race

Our Publisher Alice Dreger explains in detail what we’re doing to manage a conflict-of-interest problem in the City Council elections.

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Daniel Bollman

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Daniel Bollman

ELi is providing introductions to East Lansing City Council candidates. In the latest installment in our series, Jack Timothy Harrison provides a profile of Daniel Bollman. Why is Bollman running?

East Lansing Insider: Who Is Running for City Council?
|

East Lansing Insider: Who Is Running for City Council?

East Lansing Insider is available online and airs at 9 a.m. on Sundays on 88.9 FM. This week, Alice Dreger and Jack Timothy Harrison discuss the 2021 East Lansing City Council elections.

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Ron Bacon

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Ron Bacon

ELi is providing introductions to East Lansing City Council candidates. In the latest installment in our series, Jack Timothy Harrison provides a profile of Ron Bacon. Why is Bacon running?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Adam DeLay

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Adam DeLay

ELi is providing introductions to East Lansing City Council candidates. In the latest installment in our series, Jack Timothy Harrison provides a profile of Adam DeLay. Why is DeLay running?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Dana Watson

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Dana Watson

ELi is providing introductions to East Lansing City Council candidates. In the latest installment in our series, Jack Timothy Harrison provides a profile of Dana Watson. Why is Watson running?

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Chuck Grigsby

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Chuck Grigsby

ELi is providing introductions to East Lansing City Council candidates. In the first of our series, Jack Timothy Harrison provides a profile of Chuck Grigsby. Why is Grigsby running?

Who Is Running for City Council – and Who Knows About It?
|

Who Is Running for City Council – and Who Knows About It?

When the City Clerk’s office declined to provide a list of people who pulled applications to run for City Council, ELi filed a FOIA request. What did we find out in addition to who might be running for Council?

League of Women Voters Seeks to Engage Local Residents in Redistricting Process

League of Women Voters Seeks to Engage Local Residents in Redistricting Process

Lansing Area League of Women Voters President Donna Mullins is asking residents to share information about a special Town Hall this Tuesday, as Facebook is blocking the League’s attempts to advertise the redistricting informational forum.

Here’s How to Run for East Lansing City Council
|

Here’s How to Run for East Lansing City Council

What do you need to do? What are the deadlines? We bring you the details.

Close Look at East Lansing Shows About 20% of Registered Voters Are No Longer Here

Close Look at East Lansing Shows About 20% of Registered Voters Are No Longer Here

Statewide, about 3.2% of listings on qualified voter rolls are erroneous. So why is East Lansing’s number possibly closer to 20%?

No, A Dead Poet Did Not Vote In East Lansing’s Most Recent Election
|

No, A Dead Poet Did Not Vote In East Lansing’s Most Recent Election

Did Charlotte Brontë vote in the November 2020 election in East Lansing while residing at the Dublin Square pub? ELi’s Andrew Graham brings the answer and explains what it tells us about how Michigan’s voting system works.

Want your ballot counted on Tuesday? Then vote TODAY.

Want your ballot counted on Tuesday? Then vote TODAY.

Voting today means avoiding any mischief and helping to reduced crowding tomorrow. You have until 4 pm.

Extended East Lansing Voting Hours This Weekend, Plus Other Election News

Extended East Lansing Voting Hours This Weekend, Plus Other Election News

Over 9,000 East Lansing residents have already voted. Do you have a plan for voting in the November general election? ELi provides you with some useful information.

Go Vote at the Hannah Center TODAY!

Go Vote at the Hannah Center TODAY!

With Election Day just two weeks away, the City Clerk’s satellite office at the Hannah Community Center is open. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott outlines what services they offer.

Did You Get Mail That Claims You Didn’t Vote?

Did You Get Mail That Claims You Didn’t Vote?

One woman received mail saying her Aug. 4 ballot hadn’t been counted, but the City Clerk was able to confirm that it had. So why did she receive the notice? The possible answers are surprisingly simple.

How Can I Vote Before Election Day?

How Can I Vote Before Election Day?

Interested in voting in the Nov. 3 election ahead of time? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott brings you some helpful tips from poll inspectors.

UPDATED! Ask ELi: Answers to Your Voting-Related Questions
|

UPDATED! Ask ELi: Answers to Your Voting-Related Questions

For National Voter Registration Day, ELi got in touch with City Clerk Jennifer Shuster to help answer questions from our readers.

View ELi’s Interviews with the Candidates for East Lansing School Board

View ELi’s Interviews with the Candidates for East Lansing School Board

Dr. Jane Turner and ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott interviewed the 8 school board candidates. Watch the interviews here.

ELi Asks the 8 School Board Candidates Why They’re Running
|

ELi Asks the 8 School Board Candidates Why They’re Running

Why are these eight people running? What issues do they see as urgent? We asked to bring you the answers.

ELPS School Board Will Have At Least Two New Members After Elections

ELPS School Board Will Have At Least Two New Members After Elections

Who are the eight people running for three open seats on East Lansing’s School Board? Emily Joan Elliott reports for ELi.

UPDATE: Ingham County Voters Pass Elder Persons Millage in August 2020 Election
|

UPDATE: Ingham County Voters Pass Elder Persons Millage in August 2020 Election

What’s the Elder Persons Millage on the Aug. 4 Ingham County ballot about? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott explains.