Election Group Registered for East Lansing Ballot Fight

The Keep Local Elections Local committee formed to oppose a shift to even-year city council voting.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in City Hall

Election Group Registered for East Lansing Ballot Fight

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Should your city move local elections to even-numbered years to increase voter turnout?

Keep Local Elections Local has registered with the Michigan Department of State to challenge a proposal moving city elections to even-numbered years. The group aims to influence the upcoming November vote.

Why it matters

The dispute centers on whether local elections should coincide with even-year cycles to boost turnout or remain in odd years to keep local issues distinct from national politics.

Registration allows the group to exceed the $1,000 fundraising threshold. The proposal aims to address the turnout gap between odd-year elections, which see 20% to 25% participation, and even-year cycles, which range from 60% to 75%.

The players

Liz Schweitzer

She is the treasurer for Keep Local Elections Local and previously served as the mayor of East Lansing from 1989 to 1993.

Kathy Swedlow

She serves as the record keeper for the Keep Local Elections Local group.

Let East Lansing Vote

This organization collected the signatures necessary to qualify the election calendar proposal for the November ballot.

Agustin Markarian

He is a professor scheduled to speak regarding the election changes at the Hannah Community Center.

Diane Goddeeris

She is a former official who served as the mayor of East Lansing from 2011 to 2013.

The details

Keep Local Elections Local, led by treasurer Liz Schweitzer and record keeper Kathy Swedlow, is organizing against the proposal after Let East Lansing Vote collected enough signatures to place it on the ballot. This follows a broader Charter Review Committee suggestion that recommended 29 total amendments to the city charter.

September 18, 2026: Keep Local Elections Local registered with the state.
September 25, 2026: Let East Lansing Vote held a fundraiser at Hooked.
October 8, 2026: Professor Agustin Markarian is scheduled to deliver a presentation.

Political Context

Proponents of the shift argue that even-year elections are essential to increase voter participation and reduce administrative costs. Opponents contend that moving local races to even-numbered years prevents local issues from being overshadowed by national, high-profile elections.

Residents should prepare for an upcoming November ballot initiative that could significantly alter the local election calendar. Voters will need to decide if they prefer the higher turnout of even-year cycles or the focus of off-year municipal contests.

The takeaway

Voters in East Lansing must weigh the benefits of increased electoral turnout against the potential loss of local focus in municipal races. Keeping track of upcoming public presentations can provide clarity on the impacts of these proposed charter changes.