Voters across Ingham County and in several other communities in Greater Lansing have tax proposals on the Tuesday, May 5 election.
The proposals range from money to build new schools and fire stations to a standard operating millage request.
Voting has been underway for weeks through absentee voting, but polls will open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in many communities.
Here’s what prospective voters can expect to see on their ballots Tuesday, and what you need to know to register to vote or vote in person.
Ingham County ISD bond proposal
All Ingham County residents will see an ask from the Ingham Intermediate School District for a 0.55 mill, 20-year proposal to build a new Beekman Center in Lansing and bring updates to the Heartwood School in Mason. Both buildings service high-need special education students.
The Beekman Center opened in 1968, years before special education options were mandated in Michigan. The Heartwood School opened in 1978.
If approved, 55 cents would be levied on every $1,000 of taxable value, meaning a house with a $100,000 taxable value would owe $55 in taxes in 2026. The ISD would borrow just under $100 million to build the new Beekman Center, demolish the currently one, and renovate the Heartwood School.
The ISD does not currently levy any debt for facilities.
The millage would be paid by all property owners within the 12 school districts in the ISD, which stretch across seven counties. Those districts include Dansville, East Lansing, Haslett, Holt, Lansing, Leslie, Mason, Okemos, Webberville, Williamston, Stockbridge and Waverly.
To learn more about the proposal, see our full story here.
Stockbridge Area Emergency Service Authority
The Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority is asking voters to consider a five-year, 2.5 mill proposal to support the fire protection and emergency medical services in the service area. The millage, which would bring in an estimated $1.6 million in 2026, would be used to provide, equip, operate and maintaining fire protection and emergency medical services in Stockbridge.
Grand Ledge Area Emergency Services Authority Bond Proposal
Voters in parts of Eaton and Clinton counties are being asked to approve a 20-year $22.6 million bond proposal from the Grand Ledge Area Emergency Services Authority to build, furnish and equip two new fire stations.
If approved, property owners would see 3.04 mills levied in 2026, meaning a home with a taxable value of $100,000 would pay $304 a year. According to the ballot language, the estimated millage rate required to retire the bonds will be 2.74 mills.
The $22.6 million will be used to acquire, construct, furnish and equip two new fire stations, including any necessary site improvements and attachments.
Morrice Area Schools
Morrice Area Schools, which is situated in Shiawassee and Ingham counties, is asking voters to renew the district’s operating millage proposal. If approved, the district would be able to levy up to 18 mills on all non-homestead properties for 10 years, from 2027 to 2036. The district would levy a little under $500,000 if approved.
All school districts in Michigan are required to levy an 18 mill operating millage on non-principal residences to receive a per-pupil allowance from the state.
Carson City-Crystal Area Schools
Carson City-Crystal Area Schools will also have a six-year operating millage request on the ballot not to exceed 18 mills on non-homestead properties. The district would expect to levy a little more than $2 million.
What time do polls open in Michigan?
Michigan polling places open for voting at 7 a.m. Voters can find their Election Day polling place through the voter information website run by the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office, or they can call their local clerk. Polls close at 8 p.m., but any voter still in line must be allowed to cast their ballot.
Can I still register to vote?
Michigan now has same-day voter registration so eligible residents who haven’t yet registered can on Election Day. However, voters must now register in-person at their city or township clerk’s office since it is within 14 days of the election. Voters can find information for their local clerk through the state’s voter information website. You’ll need to bring proof of eligibility and residency.
Eligibility: You must be a Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote); a United States citizen; at least 18 years of age (when you vote); and not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison.
Proof of residency documents: Michigan driver’s license or state ID; current utility bill; bank statement; paycheck or government check; other government document.
What do I need to bring to vote in Michigan?
Voters will be asked to show ID at their polling place. Acceptable IDs include: Michigan driver’s license or state ID, which may be expired; U.S. passport; military photo ID; photo ID from an educational institution; tribal photo ID; driver’s license or state ID issued by another state; or federal, state or local government-issued photo ID.
Contact Karly Graham at kgraham@lsj.com. Follow her on X at @KarlyGrahamJrn.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Ingham ISD proposal among 5 tax issues on May 5 ballots. What to know
Reporting by Karly Graham, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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