Local residents head to polls to select next mayor

Today, Tuesday, August 4, is election day in Grand Rapids.

To find your polling place or if you are registered to vote, use the Michigan Voter Information Center. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. so make sure to get out to vote.

Know your rights! When you get to your polling place, know that they may ask for an ID, but you may sign an affidavit if you do not have one. If you feel that someone is attempting to prevent you from voting or suppress your vote, then call the Voter Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE. Read our article on voting rights to make sure you're protected.

Candidates Rosalynn Bliss, Robert Dean, John George, and Willard Lee are on the ballot for mayor of Grand Rapids. All are very different candidates worth considering. Watch any of the debates to ensure you're informed about their platforms, including the July 15 debate moderated by our own Holly Bechiri and the July 30 debate at Grand Valley State University, or read our articles discussing their answers to community questions on gentrification, race, police, and LBTQIA, on youth voices and city finances, and on the economy, talent retention, Airbnb, and transportation.