Drowned out by the national spotlight, local elections play a crucial role in shaping the immediate future of your community. Positions like mayors, city council members, school board representatives, and county commissioners directly impact decisions on education, public safety, infrastructure, and zoning laws. These local officials make choices that affect your daily life, often with much less voter turnout and visibility than federal elections. Participating in local elections ensures your voice is heard in the issues closest to home, making it critical to stay informed and involved at the local level. Whether it’s improving your neighborhood, schools, or local economy, your vote in these elections can have a significant and direct impact on your community’s well-being.
Summary of Key Muskegon County Ballot Proposals for November 2024
Sullivan Township – Millage Proposal for Fire Protection Service Renewal
This proposal asks voters to renew a previously expired 2-mill tax ($2.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) for ten years (2025-2034) to fund emergency fire protection services. The estimated revenue in the first year is $218,250 (Ballot Proposals).
City of Montague – Charter Amendment for Four-Year Mayor Term
Montague voters will decide whether to extend the mayor’s term from two to four years, aligning with the city council’s decision to hold even-year elections starting in 2026 (Ballot Proposals).
City of Muskegon Heights – Commercial Adult-Use Marijuana Establishments
This proposal seeks approval to allow commercial adult-use marijuana establishments with no cap on licenses. The proposal includes various license types such as processors, growers, and retailers(Ballot Proposals).
City of Muskegon Heights – Council Seat Forfeiture Proposal
This amendment requires councilmembers to forfeit their council seat if they run for mayor during their current council term. The vacancy would be filled by the candidate with the next highest vote count (Ballot Proposals).
City of Muskegon Heights – Term Limits for Mayor and Councilmembers
The proposal introduces a 16-year combined term limit for councilmembers and the mayor(Ballot Proposals).
Fruitport Community Schools – Operating Millage Renewal
This proposal renews the school district’s 18-mill operating levy on non-primary residences for four years (2025-2028), necessary for full per-pupil funding (Ballot Proposals).
Ravenna Public Schools – $10.98 Million Bond Proposal
Ravenna voters will decide whether to approve a bond to fund the remodeling of Beechnau Elementary School and improvements to school technology and playgrounds. The estimated millage rate to service this debt is 1.56 mills (Ballot Proposals).
Whitehall District Schools – Operating Millage Renewal
Voters in Whitehall will decide on a 20-mill levy (18 mills initially, with an additional 2 mills to restore reductions due to the “Headlee” Amendment) for school funding (Ballot Proposals).
These ballot proposals cover important issues ranging from public safety funding to local school improvements and term limits for elected officials, making it essential for voters to be informed on each measure.
County Races
County Officers
Muskegon County Prosecutor (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- D.J. Hilson
Muskegon County Sheriff (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- Michael Poulin
- Republican Candidate:
- Max Riekse
Muskegon County Clerk (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- Karen D. Buie
- Republican Candidate:
- Eric Rothoff
Muskegon County Treasurer (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- Tony Moulatsiotis
- Republican Candidate:
- Kent Boersema
Muskegon County Register of Deeds (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- William Moulatsiotis
- Republican Candidate:
- Jason M. Hall
Muskegon County Water Resources Commissioner (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidates:
- Stephanie Barrett
- David Farhat
- Republican Candidate:
- Zach Lahring
Muskegon County Surveyor (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- Tim DeMumbrum
Each candidate has submitted petitions or paid the required fees to qualify for the upcoming election, ensuring that Muskegon County voters will have a range of choices in the primary and general elections.
County Commissioners
Below are the candidates running for Muskegon County Commissioner positions in the upcoming election.
County Commissioner – 1st District (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- Bruce E. Froelich
- Republican Candidate:
- Kim L Cyr
County Commissioner – 2nd District (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- Andy O’Riley
- Republican Candidates:
- J Brett Herman
- Malinda Pego
County Commissioner – 3rd District (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- Sandra Boone-Thomas
- Republican Candidate:
- Michelle Hazekamp
County Commissioner – 4th District (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- Chris Ann McGuigan
- Republican Candidates:
- Kim Fiorenzo
- Dan Potts
County Commissioner – 5th District (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- Charles Nash
- Republican Candidate:
- Nicole Larson
County Commissioner – 6th District (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- Jessica Cook
- Republican Candidate:
- Doug Brown
County Commissioner – 7th District (4-Year Term)
- Democratic Candidate:
- Darrell L. Paige
- Republican Candidate:
- Steve Null
Complete Ballot Listing
Below is a complete ballot listing including local and state elections.
As Muskegon County heads into the 2024 election, voters will have the opportunity to shape the future of their community, state, and nation. With key races spanning local, state, and national levels, this election offers residents the chance to elect leaders who reflect their values and priorities. From the U.S. Senate and House to the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners, every vote will play a pivotal role in determining the direction of governance for the years to come. Be sure to make your voice heard and participate in this critical election on November 5, 2024.
