It is nearly here: General Election Day 2026. It has been a very long ramp-up to this pivotal election, and we hope you are ready to cast your vote.

The Midland Business Alliance (MBA) would like to remind you of several key questions you will see on your ballot.

Locally, you could see a variety of township-related questions on your ballot. However, if you live within the Midland or Meridian Public School districts, you'll also have the opportunity to vote on questions related to funding school infrastructure.

The Midland Business Alliance Board of Directors is officially supporting both proposals. You can read their resolution here. We encourage voters to learn all they can about the proposals and make an informed decision about how they will vote.

Midland Public Schools sinking fund proposal: This is a 1.5-mill, 10-year sinking fund to support school safety, security, and infrastructure improvements such as secure entry systems, cameras, playground upgrades, roofing, heating and cooling systems, and other facility needs. Unlike a bond, the sinking fund would not involve borrowing money or paying interest.

Meridian Public Schools bond proposal: The proposal would extend the current millage levy of 7.0 mills by five years, beginning in 2032, to raise $13,900,000 to accomplish essential upgrades to keep students "safe, warm, and dry."

And, all Michigan voters will have two statewide proposals on their ballots. Proposal 1 asks voters to decide if it's time to convene a constitutional convention, which would open up the Michigan Constitution for revision. The MBA Board of Directors, following a thorough vetting by our Business Advocacy Council, has voted to officially oppose this ballot question. A constitutional convention would not only entail significant cost (estimated $80 million) and time (no time limit at all), but delegates would be elected without any campaign finance rules to adhere to, the elected delegation would establish its own rules, and all issues would be on the table for revision. Read our official resolution here.

Of special note, Proposal 2 will also be placed before Michigan voters during the General Election. The MBA has taken a position only on Proposal 1, but you can read about Proposal 2 in this Bridge Michigan article.

Voters, you will see other questions on your ballot, as well. Not sure what to expect? You can view a sample ballot for yourself here.

Additional tools available to you:

• Request an absentee ballot (deadline for clerks to receive your request is Friday, October 30th, 5 p.m.; if you are already registered to vote, up to 4 p.m. on November 2nd)
• Track your absentee ballot submission (deadline for clerks to receive is 8 p.m. on Election Day, or you may take to your voting location on Election Day)
• Details for early in-person voting here in Midland County (began on October 24th and ends on November 1st)
• Find your Election Day voting location (all polls are open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Election Day)

A Must-Read if You Employ Youth!

If your business employs youth, you need to be aware of a new statewide process in Michigan. The new Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP) will replace the decades-old system of working through local school districts to obtain a permit to employ youth.

The good news is that the new system appears to be much easier and flexible, both for students and employers. The necessary applications can be done online, all through one system.

Employers, you will need to create a MiLogin account to utilize the system. Not sure how? Use this tutorial to get started. Don't wait; the switchover to the new online system, rather than working with school districts, was launched on October 2nd.

The YEPP system itself is located here.

Who's Connected?

New Interactive Map Unveiled

The MBA has long been an advocate for the establishment of high-speed internet access for our entire community. Work is continuing on this front so that this essential tool is available for students, businesses, employers, and all residents. In fact, that work has been continuing around the state. Recently, the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO) rolled out a new website to track that progress. You can view the map—which offers big-picture and granular data—here.

Applications Open for 2027 National Civics Bee!

We're pleased to announce the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's annual National Civics Bee 2027 program! The program is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students from public, private, charter, and home schools. Students are invited to submit a 500-word essay proposing a civic solution to a community issue. Essays are due by February 2, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. HST. This guide can help students get started with their essays.

Essay finalists will advance to an in-person competition (a Michigan location to be announced soon), with opportunities to progress to state and national levels and earn cash awards.

About the National Civics Bee

The National Civics Bee®, organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Civic Trust, is designed to strengthen civics education among middle schoolers by challenging them to propose real-world civic solutions, deepen their understanding of American democracy, and build future leadership.

The City of Midland is Seeking Input

Center City is lookin' good, thanks to the first phase of the Redevelopment Plan, completed in 2023. Now, it's time to plan the second phase. All are invited to stop by the Midland Board of Realtors (94 Ashman Circle) on Wednesday, November 4, 4:30 - 7 p.m. to provide their input as the second phase—which will entail the area from Dartmouth to Ashman on Saginaw Road—takes shape.

Concepts have been developed, but the City wants feedback before finalizing the plan. Provide your feedback and help inform the discussion.