PRIMARY DATE CHANGE

For decades state lawmakers in Lansing have complained that the short time between an early August primary and then an early November general election is simply not sufficient and local municipal clerks have tended to agree with that position. So months ago some Republicans in the legislature proposed in a bill to move the primary election to either May or June, followed by a November general election, starting in the 2026 election year. But weeks ago the powers in Lansing said that would be too disruptive for 2026 and now there is a move afoot to make some changes for the 2027 election year. The only wrinkle that needs to be worked out is that local school districts like the thought of holding February elections,, no doubt because of low voter turnout which favors millage renewals and tax increase proposals. Local municipal clerks would rather that only two elections are held each year, not three. If this issue can be hammered out, look for a change in 2027 to a spring primary vote, then a November general election.