Copper Country Votes!

It’s election day, and polls will be open from 7:00 this morning until 8:00 this evening for voters who haven’t already cast absentee ballots.

This article highlights contested races and proposals only. To see what is on your specific ballot, including all entries, click here.

Statewide…

Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is challenged by Republican Tudor Dixon and four minor party candidates.

Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessell faces a challenge from Republican Matthew DePerno and three minor party candidates.

Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is running against Republican Kristina Karamo and three minor party candidates.

There are also races for the state Supreme Court and a number of other judicial positions, along with members of the state Board of Education, and the boards of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University.

Among the contested races in the Copper Country…

Republican First District U.S. Representative Jack Bergman is being challenged by Democrat Bob Lorinser, Libertarian Andrew Gale, and Working Class Party candidate Liz Hakola.

Republican 38th District State Senator Ed McBroom faces Democrat John Braamse and Green Party candidate Wade Paul Roberts.

In the 109th State House District, Republican Melody Wagner and Democrat Jenn Hill are vying to replace the term-limited Sara Cambensy. 

Republican 110th District State Representative Greg Markkanen is being challenged by Democrat Casey VerBerkmoes.

For the Houghton County Commission…

Republican Joel Keranen and Democrat Daniel Watrous are vying to replace the late Albert Koskela in District Two. Timothy Sears is on the ballot as a U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate, but has not actively campaigned. 

In District Three, incumbent Democrat Glenn Anderson is again being challenged by Republican Dan Holcomb.

In District Five, incumbent Republican Roy Britz faces a challenge from Independent Daniel Niemela.

Republican Houghton County Sheriff Joshua Saarinen is being challenged by independent candidate Roger Sullivan to fill out the unexpired term of the late Brian McLean.

Five candidates are running for four positions on the Hancock City Council. They include incumbents Paul LaBine, Lisa McKenzie and Whitney Warstler, along with Zack Osborne and Margo Pizzi. Michael Lancour’s name is on the ballot, but he has withdrawn.

In the Village of Laurium, Jessica Hrebec and Dale Ninko are facing off to fill a single unexpired term. Two full terms are also available, with two candidates running uncontested. 

Six candidates are vying for five positions on the Hancock School Board. They include incumbents Randy Heinonen, Catherine Jordan, Dale Kero, Steven Koskela and Rod Paavola, along with challenger Heather McGee.

Seven candidates are running for four positions on the Dollar Bay-Tamarack City School Board. They include incumbents Dallas Bond and Donna Engman, and newcomers Brandon Bell, Christine Halkola, Angela Keranen, Robin Anderson, and Valorie Troesch.

Ballot issues in Houghton County include…

Adams Township, asking for a $1.6 million bond sale to build a new fire station, with initial millage estimated at 1.21 mills.

The Village of Calumet, asking voters if the village clerk should be appointed by the village council.

The Village of Laurium, asking for a 1-mill renewal for fire equipment.

The Hancock School District, asking for a $4.225 million bond sale for facilities improvements, and a 1.5 mill renewal for its sinking fund for repairs and upgrades.

Dollar Bay-Tamarack City, Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw, Adams Township, Lake Linden-Hubbell and Stanton Township Schools are all asking for renewals of the base 18-mill non-homestead property tax levy.

Contested Races in Baraga County include…

County Commission District Four, where Republican Bill Menge and Independent Fran Whitman are competing to replace the retiring Lyle Olsen.

County Commission District Five, where Republican Chad Cicosz and Democrat Judy Bozicevich are running to fill the seat vacated by Bill Rolof.

Four candidates are running for three seats on the L’Anse Village Council. Incumbents Leann M Davis, James Hulkonen and Kristina Waara are being challenged by William T. Menge.

Contested Races in Keweenaw County include…

Grant Township Supervisor, where Scott Ochodnicky and Alexander Protzel are competing to finish out the term of Scott Wendt, who resigned.

Contested races in Western Ontonagon County include…

A county-wide request for 0.20 mill for one year to help the Ontonagon County Veterans Association replace DAV vans used to transport veterans to and from the VA hospital in Iron Mountain.

Kelsey Kemppainen and Shannon Kin are running for a partial term as Greenland Township Treasurer.

In the village of Ontonagon…

Pamela Coey is challenging incumbent village president Tony Smydra.

Six candidates are running for three available positions on the village council. They include incumbents Sarah Hopper and Brittany Penegor, along with challengers Carly Hesterberg, Latitia Hixon, Debra Seid, Daniel Sullivan, and Matthew Wiesen.

Six candidates are vying for four seats on the Ewen-Trout Creek school board. Incumbents Maggi Brown, Shawn Brown, Chuck Eldridge and Victoria Hahka are being challenged by Cindy Ellsworth and Ann Morrison.

The Ewen-Trout Creek School District is asking for a renewal of the base 18-mill non-homestead property tax levy.

The Ontonagon School District is asking for approval of a $475,000 bond sale to purchase school buses.

We will post updates as results become available this evening at KeweenawReport.com.