Lansing City Election Has So Much at Stake, But Do Voters Know About It?

Lansing, Michigan-The City of Lansing’s most important election in more than 40 years is less than 2 months away and candidates like Ross Yednock are working to make sure city voters know both about the stakes of the election and their candidacy.

In last November’s election, Lansing voted to form a City Charter Commission by a 51.6% - 48.4% margin. The Charter Commission will be made up of 9 commissioners who will be elected on May 7, 2024. Once elected, they will be responsible for reviewing the current city charter and proposing changes.

“I started going door-to-door after it passed to talk to people about the city charter, what it is, and what the election could mean for our city,” said Yednock, a State of Michigan worker, 20+ year Lansing resident and community volunteer. “While some did know, far too many did not and that was concerning. This election is essentially selecting the people who will serve on our city’s constitutional convention to study if our city’s government is living up to its responsibility to us. I want to make sure it engages people from all our neighborhoods and communities and every person who calls Lansing home.”

Unlike other city elections where a few candidates are selected to serve a term and make decisions on what rules impacting people should be adopted and how to spend the city’s tax dollars, the Charter Commission will look at the rules the city government follows and if they are working, or not. It could: change the number of City Council members; the number of districts and at large seats; the role and power of the mayor’s office; the Board of Water and Light; how advisory commissions and boards are set up; and even if Lansing elections are held during presidential and gubernatorial elections or continue on odd-number years.

There are 36 (you read that right) people running for 9 positions. Lansing voters who vote by mail will receive ballots in less than 3 weeks. Voters can vote for up to 9 people, but they do not have to vote for 9, however, if they accidentally vote for more than 9, none of their votes will count.

“Lots of people I’ve heard from are frustrated with the state of things in our city and want to see our city government function better and provide more equitable outcomes,” said Yednock. “That can happen, but now more than ever, voters need to do their own research. This election is right around the corner and so much is at stake. I encourage people to go to www.Ross4Lansing.com and other candidate’s sites and then contact the candidates to see who best represents your values and vision for Lansing’s future.”

More information about this important election can be found at lansingvotes.gov.