Elections

Know the Candidates: John Dewane is Challenged by Norm Shinkle in Ingham County Prosecutor Race

Know the Candidates: John Dewane is Challenged by Norm Shinkle in Ingham County Prosecutor Race

After being appointed as the county’s prosecuting attorney two years ago, John Dewane is running for a full term. He is challenged by Republican Norm Shinkle.

Know the Candidates: Steve Fox Challenges Scott Wriggelsworth in Ingham County Sheriff’s Race

Know the Candidates: Steve Fox Challenges Scott Wriggelsworth in Ingham County Sheriff’s Race

Over the next several weeks, ELi will bring you articles highlighting the choices for state- and county-wide election. We seek to interview each of the major candidates for these offices and share an objective look at their backgrounds and goals for office. Today, we focus on Ingham County Sheriff. With its administrative offices in the…

Leaders of Groups For and Against Proposal 1 Explain Their Stances

Leaders of Groups For and Against Proposal 1 Explain Their Stances

The League of Women Voters of the Lansing Area and ELi hosted a program to hear from those on each side of Proposal 1, which would impact the city’s housing and rental regulations.

School Board Candidates Give Their Policy Ideas

School Board Candidates Give Their Policy Ideas

This is the final of three stories bringing the responses all six East Lansing Board of Education candidates gave to questions ELi asked them

School Board Candidates Address School Safety

School Board Candidates Address School Safety

This is the second of three stories bringing the responses all six East Lansing Board of Education candidates gave to questions ELi asked them.

Know the Candidates: Incumbent Penelope Tsernoglou is Challenged by Frank Lambert for 75th District House Seat

Know the Candidates: Incumbent Penelope Tsernoglou is Challenged by Frank Lambert for 75th District House Seat

Hear from candidates on why they feel they are best suited to represent Michigan’s 75th District.

School Board Candidates Describe Their Qualifications, Priorities if Elected

School Board Candidates Describe Their Qualifications, Priorities if Elected

This is the first of three stories bringing the responses all six East Lansing Board of Education candidates gave to questions ELi asked them.

Know the Candidates: Julie Brixie and Josh Rockey Compete for 73rd District House Seat

Know the Candidates: Julie Brixie and Josh Rockey Compete for 73rd District House Seat

Hear from candidates on why they feel they are best suited to represent Michigan’s 73rd District.

Early Voting for the General Election Started Today

Early Voting for the General Election Started Today

Election Day is more than a month away, but voting officially started today.

ELi and the Lansing Area League of Women Voters to Hold Program on Proposed Charter Amendment

ELi and the Lansing Area League of Women Voters to Hold Program on Proposed Charter Amendment

The program will be recorded Oct. 4 and distributed widely soon after it is finished. To better gauge the questions residents have, we are also allowing readers to submit questions before the event.

It’s Election Day!

It’s Election Day!

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for today’s primary election.

Council Approves Toned Down Caption to be Placed on Ballot with Charter Amendment

Council Approves Toned Down Caption to be Placed on Ballot with Charter Amendment

“The proposed charter amendment below was initiated by a citizen initiated petition and not the East Lansing City Council,” the revised caption reads.

Two County Millages on August Ballot

Two County Millages on August Ballot

The millages up for renewal at the August Primary Election provide funding for essential services to older residents and health care services for low income residents.

Filing Deadline Passes, Clerk Marie Wicks Presents on Two Upcoming Elections

Filing Deadline Passes, Clerk Marie Wicks Presents on Two Upcoming Elections

While the Presidential election gathers most headlines, there are important local items to be decided at the looming elections.

EL Dems Respond to Biden Candidacy, Withdrawal

EL Dems Respond to Biden Candidacy, Withdrawal

Yesterday, President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection.

Only One Candidate Has Applied to Run for School Board, as Filing Deadline Approaches

Only One Candidate Has Applied to Run for School Board, as Filing Deadline Approaches

The filing deadline is July 23 and four school board seats will be up for grabs in November’s election.

Voters Approve $23.5 Million School Bond

Voters Approve $23.5 Million School Bond

With over 4,600 votes cast, more than two-thirds of voters approved of the bond proposal.

Voters Will Soon Decide on $23.5 Million School Bond

Voters Will Soon Decide on $23.5 Million School Bond

A look at how East Lansing schools would spend the $23.5 million in the bond proposal, if voters approve it at the May special election.

A Year in Review: What ELi Covered in 2023

A Year in Review: What ELi Covered in 2023

With the year coming to an end, we look back at top stories and issues in the City of East Lansing.

City Leaders Urge Council to Move Forward with Charter Review Commission
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City Leaders Urge Council to Move Forward with Charter Review Commission

The letter signed by nine civic and school leaders supports putting the commission establishment on the 2024 ballot.

The Numbers: Analysis of Data From Nov. 7 Election

The Numbers: Analysis of Data From Nov. 7 Election

Kerry Ebersole Singh ran well ahead of other candidates in a City Council election that saw a strong turnout.

Following in His Father’s Footsteps, George Brookover Is Mayor of East Lansing

Following in His Father’s Footsteps, George Brookover Is Mayor of East Lansing

Erik Altmann, Mark Meadows and Kerry Ebersole Singh are sworn in, joining George Brookover and Dana Watson on City Council.

Ebersole Singh Runs Way Ahead of Pack; Meadows, Altmann to Return to Council
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Ebersole Singh Runs Way Ahead of Pack; Meadows, Altmann to Return to Council

In unofficial results from Tuesday’s election, Dan Bollman narrowly missed out on the third slot. Noel Garcia finished fifth, Joshua Ramirez-Roberts was sixth, Rebecca Kasen seventh and Chris Wardell eighth.

Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Tuesday’s City Council Elections

Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Tuesday’s City Council Elections

Here’s a roundup of ELi’s election coverage leading up to the polls opening throughout the City of East Lansing on Nov. 7.

Campaign Expenses Reveal Big Differences in Resources Available to Candidates
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Campaign Expenses Reveal Big Differences in Resources Available to Candidates

ELi analyzes and breaks down financial records from the Ingham County Clerk.

Where the Eight City Council Candidates Stand on Ballot Initiatives

Where the Eight City Council Candidates Stand on Ballot Initiatives

Responses of “yes” or “no” to the ballot initiatives may give insight into candidates’ political views.

City Council Candidates Explain their Visions for Development, Affordable Housing

City Council Candidates Explain their Visions for Development, Affordable Housing

This is the third short-answer question posed to the eight East Lansing Council candidates.

What are Council Candidates’ Plans to Help Retain City Staff?

What are Council Candidates’ Plans to Help Retain City Staff?

ELi is providing a series of stories with candidate responses to questions generated by readers. This is the second of the series of four packages.

Where do Council Candidates Stand on Moving City Elections?

Where do Council Candidates Stand on Moving City Elections?

ELi is providing a series of three stories with candidate responses to questions generated by readers.

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.

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.

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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?
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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
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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
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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?
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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?