The Pioneer's Voter Guide
FAQ
Can I vote early by mail?
You can vote by mail if you will be away from your county on Election Day and during the hours that early voting is conducted; are sick or disabled; are 65 years of age or older on Election Day; or you are in jail.
What is your letter to the editor policy?
The Pioneer welcomes letters to the editor from people who live within our readership area. Letters provide a forum for the public to express their views. Letters should be short and to the point, and should not exceed 350 words. The paper will edit letters for length, conciseness and clarity. Letters should include the writer’s first and last name and hometown address and a way for the newspaper to contact the letter writer, preferably an email address or daytime telephone number, to verify the author and should there be a question about the submission. If a topic has been thoroughly debated in the letters column, subsequent letters will not be published if they do not add new information or ideas to the debate. Letters that are libelous, malicious, inaccurate, in bad taste, demonstrably false, contain conspiracy theories or those that make personal attacks on private or public people, will not be published. All submissions will be posted with a first and last name along with the city of residence of the author. Under most circumstances, authors will be limited to one published letter every three weeks. Letters that exceed the 350-word count and/or whose authorship cannot be determined will not be published. Letters can be submitted online at bigrapidsnews.com.
How do I submit a letter to the editor?
Letters can be emailed to bmassman@hearstnp.com.
Key Dates
October 19, 2020
Last day to register to vote by mail or in any manner other than in-person with the local
clerk for the November general election.
clerk for the November general election.
October 20 through 8 p.m. November 3
In-person registration with local clerk with proof of residency.
By 4 p.m. on October 23
Write-in candidates file Declaration of Intent forms for the November general election.
Up to 4 p.m. on November 2
Voters may submit written request in person to spoil their absent voter ballot and receive new ballot in the clerk’s office.
Up to 8 p.m. on November 3
Election Day registrants may obtain and vote an absent voter ballot in person in the clerk’s office or vote in person in the proper precinct.
7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 3
Election Day polls open
By 9 a.m. on November 5
Boards of county canvassers meet to canvass November general election.
By November 17
Boards of county canvassers complete canvass of November general election; county clerks forward results to Secretary of State within 24 hours.
By November 23
Board of State Canvassers meet to canvass November general election.
U.S. President
A race between President Donald J. Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.
Donald J. Trump
Joseph R. Biden
Don Blankenship
Joe Jorgensen
Howie Hawkins
Rocky De La Guente
U.S. Senate
Incumbent Sen. Gary Peters faces Republican John James.
Gary Peters
John James
Valerie L. Willis
Marcia Squier
Doug Dern
U.S. Representative
Incumbent John Moolenaar is being challenged by Democrat Jerry Hilliard.
John Moolenaar
Jerry Hilliard
David Canny
Amy Slepr
State Representative (102nd District)
Incumbent State Rep. Michele Hoitenga faces Democrat challenger Amanda Siggins
Michele Hoitenga
Amanda Siggins
Mecosta County Commissioner 6th District
Mecosta County Commissioner Wedny Nystrom is facing newcomer Eric O'Neil.
Wendy Nystrom
Eric O'Neil
Fork Township trustee
Three candidates are vying for two open seats as trustees on Fork Township's board.
Mary Kindt
Mitchell MacKersie
Tyler Martin
Martiny Township clerk
Two challengers are looking to bring some new perspectives into Martiny Township as the next clerk.
Connie Grant
Joy L. Moorman
Village of Barryton president
Three candidates are vying to be the village of Barryton's next president.
James Soriano
Thomas Gilleran
Jeff Nelson
Village of Barryton trustee
Three candidates are vying for two seats as trustees on the village of Barryton board.
Kathryn A. Kerr
Lavonne M. Hortsman
Evelyn E. Jones
Village of Mecosta president
Two newcomers are on the ballot to become the Village of Mecosta's next president.
Anne Marie Wrobbel
William Howes
Village of Mecosta trustee
Six candidates are running for three open seats as trustees on the village of Mecosta board.
Debora L. Beemer
Kimberley Wernette
Colleen Beemer
Joyce Eichenberg-Oakley
Courtney Prill
Alice E. Ray
Katherine Snider
Proposals
Four townships in Mecosta County are seeking proposals on Nov. 3.
Fork Township Proposal
Fork Township is seeking a Rescue Truck Capital Improvement proposal. Shall Fork Township impose an increase of up to 0.5 mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) in the tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution and levy it for three years, 2020 through 2022 inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for Rescue Capital Improvements-Rescue Vehicle, which 0.5-mill increase will raise an estimated $23,500 in the first year the millage is levied.
Morton Township Proposal
Morton Township is seeking a Youth and Family Center proposal. Shall the total limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all taxable property in Morton Township, be increased by 0.25 mills ($0.25 per $1,000 of taxable value) and levied by Morton Township for a period of five years as a new additional millage to provide funds for the operation of Youth and Family Center that provides educational, social and recreation services to Morton Township’s families. If approved, this millage would raised an estimated $73,455 each year, for a period of five years, beginning in 2021 and ending in 2025.
Wheatland Township Proposal
Wheatland Township is seeking a renewal of its Public Library millage. Shall the tax rate limitation for Wheatland Township be increased, and a tax levied on all taxable property, in the amount of 0.8 mill ($0.80 per $1,000 of taxable value) for the years, 2021-2024. This proposed millage would renew a previously authorized millage for Township Public Library purposes, in the amount of 0.8 mill. The purpose of this levy is to provide funds for operational expenses to allow the library to continue to offer its present services. It is estimated that a levy of 0.8 mill could provide revenue of approximately $35,965 in the first calendar year.
Wheatland Township Proposal
Wheatland Township is also seeking another Public Library millage renewal. Shall the tax rate limitation for Wheatland Township be increased, and a tax levied on all taxable property, in the amount of 0.4 mill ($0.40 per $1,000 of taxable value for the years 2021-2024. This proposed millage would renew a previously authorized millage for Township Public Library purposes, the amount of 0.4 mill. The purpose of this levy is to provide funds for operational expenses to allow the library to continue to offer its present services. It is estimated that a levy of 0.4 mill could provide revenue of approximately $17,983 in the first calendar year.
Village of Barryton Proposal
A proposal listed on the ballot asks residents if the village of Barryton should be disincorporated.
Village of Barryton proposal
The village of Barryton is seeking a Public Library millage renewal. Shall the previously authorized millage of the Barryton Public Library District be renewed at a rate of 0.992 of one mill for a period of four years ($0.992 per $1,000 of taxable value for years 2021 through 2024 inclusive) for all district library operations and purposes authorized by law. If levied at its maximum this millage is estimated to provide revenues of $110,000 in its first year. A home valued at $75,000 ($37,500 taxable value) would pay $37.20 per year.