MARQUETTE — Next Monday, July 10, is the last day to register to vote in the Aug. 8 primary election.

To register, applicants must be at least 18 years old by Election Day and be U.S. citizens. Applicants also must be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register.

Voters may register by mail or in person at their county, city or township clerk’s office or by visiting any Secretary of State office. The mail-in form is available at www.michigan.gov/elections.

First-time voters who register by mail or through a third party must vote in person in their first election, unless they hand-deliver the application to their local clerk, are 60 years old or older, are disabled or are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

To check their registration status, residents may visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote. They can see their sample ballot, including the ballot question language, and find their polling place. Residents also can find information on absentee voting, Michigan’s voter identification requirement, how to use voting equipment and how to contact their local clerk.

Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Candidates

Voters will choose a candidate for the 109th District of the Michigan House in the Aug. 8 primary. The elected individual will finish out the late Rep. John Kivela’s term, ending Jan. 1, 2019.

Gov. Rick Snyder called for a special election to fill the vacancy shortly after Kivela’s unexpected death in May.

Rich Rossway is the only Republic to have filed in the race, while four Democrats — Sara Cambensy, Tom Curry, Joe Derocha and Jeremy Hosking — will face off for the Democratic nomination.

The winner will be determined in the Nov. 6 general election.

In the city of Marquette, voters will be asked to choose three nonpartisan candidates for the city commission. On the ballot are Thomas L. Baldini, Justin Brugman, Peter Frazier, Tony Ghiringhelli, Matthew Luttenberger, Jeremy Ottaway and Fred Stonehouse.

Two members are also being sought for the Marquette Board of Light and Power. Candidates include Edward Angeli, Dave Carlson, Jorma Lankinen, John H. Prince and Tom Tourville.

Local proposals

In the city of Marquette, the Peter White Public Library is asking voters to approve a $4.2 million bond, or about .48 mill for 15 years, to renovate, reorganize and update the library building.

The millage would replace the current library capital improvement bond, which funded a large portion of the 2000 building addition. That bond was for .55 mill and will be paid off in July.

The city of Ishpeming is seeking an $850,000 bond over a period of 12 years for new fire equipment.

Negaunee Public Schools is asking voters to approve a sinking fund millage proposal of 2.5 mills over 10 years for the purchase of real estate for sites for, and the construction or repair of, school buildings as well as security improvements and technology upgrades.

Several townships throughout Marquette County are seeking millage renewals on the Aug. 8 ballot. Local proposals include:

– Ely Township has two proposals on the ballot, seeking a millage renewal and increase from 1.9701 mills to 2 mills for five years for general operating purposes; and also a millage renewal and increase from 1.9701 mills to 2 mills for five years for garbage collection and disposal purposes.

– Forsyth Township has two proposals on the ballot, and is asking voters for a renewal of 1 mill over a six year period to fund police operations, and a renewal of 0.4965 mill for five years to fund ambulance services.

– Michigamme Township is seeking 2 mills for six years for general operating purposes — a renewal and increase from the current 1.7970 mills back to the original 2 mills.

– Powell Township is asking for a renewal of 1 mill for a period of five years for garbage, rubbish and debris collection and disposal.

– Republic Township is asking voters for a renewal of 0.2 mill for six years to provide funds for the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority.

– Richmond Township is seeking a renewal of 2.5 mills — 2.3748 to be renewed plus an additional .1252 mill — for five years for general operating purposes.

– Sands Township has four proposals on the ballot, all seeking to renew existing operating millages — .04395 for four years for ambulance services; 0.8796 for four years for the fire department; 1.7599 for four years for road repairs; and 0.9632 for four years for sanitation.

– Skandia Township is seeking a renewal of 2.5 mills for a period of five years for financing emergency services.

The list of proposals was provided by the Marquette County Clerk’s Office.

Kelsie Thompson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is kthompson@miningjournal.net.