Voting information ahead of Tuesday’s Primary Election
Voters across St. Clair County are heading to the polls Tuesday for the 2026 primary election. Local residents will help determine party nominees for key local, state, and federal offices while deciding three four-year countywide millage renewal proposals.
Statewide and Federal Contests
At the top of the ticket, voters across Michigan are casting primary votes in major statewide and federal races. Headlining the ballot is the contested primary for Michigan Governor to succeed term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer, alongside primary contests for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and state legislative seats representing the Thumb area.
Key State Legislative and County Races
Local focus centers on the 25th State Senate District, which covers Huron, Sanilac, and portions of St. Clair, Macomb, and Tuscola counties. With incumbent Republican Dan Lauwers reaching his term limit, four candidates are seeking the GOP nomination: Andrew Beeler, Gary Eisen, John Mahaney, and Randy Schultz. The winner of Tuesday’s Republican primary will advance to face Democrat April Osentoski in the November general election.
In local county government, St. Clair County Commission District 5 features a contested Republican primary. Incumbent Republican Paul Zeller, who was appointed to fill the remainder of an unexpired term last fall, is being challenged by Kelly Tucker. The primary winner will advance to face Democrat Dorothy Yope in November.
Countywide Millage Renewal Proposals
In addition to candidate races, voters countywide are considering three four-year millage renewals designed to maintain funding for local public services without increasing current tax rates.
The Senior Citizens Services renewal of 0.7971 mills, which is roughly 80 cents per 1,000 dollars of taxable value provides funding for 12 local community organizations that deliver programs, including Meals on Wheels, adult day care, and medical transportation.
A second measure asks voters to renew 0.4993 mills for countywide Ambulance Services, assisting local municipalities with emergency response staffing, equipment, and fleet maintenance.
Finally, the St. Clair County Community College District is seeking a renewal of 0.4932 mills, roughly 49 cents per 1,000 dollars of taxable value, to support career training programs, safety updates, and campus maintenance at SC4.
Voting Information and Poll Hours
Polls across St. Clair County and Michigan are open Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voters can check their precinct location, review registration details, and view official sample ballots online at michigan.gov/vote or by contacting their local city or township clerk’s office.
