Jackson County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
26 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 16 Jackson County races, led by the Michigan Senate District 14 contest.
County offices
City of Jackson Treasurer, Partial Term Ending 11/30/2028Nonpartisan race · David R. Hammontree · Nanette Muntin
David R. Hammontree and Nanette Muntin are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for City of Jackson Treasurer, Partial Term Ending 11/30/2028.
David R. Hammontree Nonpartisan
David R. Hammontree appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for City of Jackson Treasurer, Partial Term Ending 11/30/2028, per the county clerk's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for David R. Hammontree.
Nanette Muntin Nonpartisan
Nanette Muntin currently serves as Jackson City Treasurer, having been appointed by the city council to fill a vacancy after the death of Treasurer Martin Griffin, per wilcoxnewspapers.com. Nanette Muntin appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for City of Jackson Treasurer, Partial Term Ending 11/30/2028, per the county clerk's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Nonpartisan; two candidates for one partial-term seat on the November 3 ballot, per the Jackson County Clerk's official candidate list.
Full race pageNorvell Township Clerk, Partial Term Ending 11/20/2028Sharon Péro (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Sharon Péro (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Norvell Township Clerk, Partial Term Ending 11/20/2028.
Sharon Péro Republican
Sharon Péro appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Norvell Township Clerk, Partial Term Ending 11/20/2028, per the county clerk's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Partisan partial-term seat; unopposed on the November 3 ballot, per the Jackson County Clerk's official candidate list.
Full race pageRives Township Clerk, Partial Term Ending 11/20/2028Jobeth Carlton (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jobeth Carlton (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rives Township Clerk, Partial Term Ending 11/20/2028.
Jobeth Carlton Republican
Jobeth Carlton appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Rives Township Clerk, Partial Term Ending 11/20/2028, per the county clerk's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Jobeth Carlton.
Partisan partial-term seat; unopposed on the November 3 ballot, per the Jackson County Clerk's official candidate list.
Full race pageJudges
Judge of Circuit Court, 4th Circuit, Incumbent PositionNonpartisan race · John G. McBain Jr.
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
John G. McBain Jr. Nonpartisan
John G. McBain Jr. appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Judge of Circuit Court, 4th Circuit, Incumbent Position, per the county clerk's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Nonpartisan; incumbent John G. McBain Jr. is unopposed on the November 3 ballot, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official candidate listing.
Full race pageJudge of Circuit Court, 4th Circuit, Incumbent Position, Partial Term Ending 1/1/2031Nonpartisan race · Allison L. Bates
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Allison L. Bates Nonpartisan
Allison Bates is an incumbent judge who served on Jackson County's 12th District Court from 2021 before being appointed to the 4th Circuit Court in 2026, per WILX. Allison L. Bates appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Judge of Circuit Court, 4th Circuit, Incumbent Position, Partial Term Ending 1/1/2031, per the county clerk's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Nonpartisan; incumbent Allison L. Bates is unopposed on the November 3 ballot, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official candidate listing.
Full race pageJudge of District Court, 12th District, Incumbent PositionNonpartisan race · Nicole Hughes · George D. Lyons
Nicole Hughes Nonpartisan
Nicole Hughes was appointed to the 12th District Court bench by Governor Whitmer on April 1, 2026, per WILX News. She served nearly nine years as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Washtenaw County handling domestic violence, sexual assault and homicide cases, and previously worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the Michigan Department of Attorney General and as a law clerk for a Michigan judge, per her campaign site. She now presides over the court's Domestic Violence Treatment Court.
George D. Lyons Nonpartisan
George D. Lyons is a longtime Jackson County attorney with nearly 30 years of courtroom experience across criminal, civil, family and probate law in Jackson County and surrounding Michigan counties, including hundreds of domestic violence cases, per his campaign site. He has lived in Summit Township with his wife Mary since 1999.
Nonpartisan; incumbent Nicole Hughes faces challenger George D. Lyons on the November 3 ballot, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official candidate listing.
Full race pageJudge of District Court, 12th District, Non-Incumbent PositionNonpartisan race · Jared L. Hopkins · Stormie Rae McGee
Jared L. Hopkins and Stormie Rae McGee are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Judge of District Court, 12th District, Non-Incumbent Position.
Jared L. Hopkins Nonpartisan
Jared L. Hopkins appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Judge of District Court, 12th District, Non-Incumbent Position, per the county clerk's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Jared L. Hopkins.
Stormie Rae McGee Nonpartisan
Stormie Rae McGee is an Assistant Prosecutor running for an open seat on Jackson County's 12th District Court, per Wilcox Newspapers. Stormie Rae McGee appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Judge of District Court, 12th District, Non-Incumbent Position, per the county clerk's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Nonpartisan; two candidates for one non-incumbent seat on the November 3 ballot, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official candidate listing.
Full race pageCities and towns
City of Jackson MayorNonpartisan race · Derek J. Dobies · John Wilson
Derek J. Dobies and John Wilson are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for City of Jackson Mayor.
Derek J. Dobies Nonpartisan
- Downtown investment, including Michigan Ave, Horace Blackman Park, and the Hayes Hotel redevelopment
- Find a long-term fix for streets and crucial infrastructure
- Stay fiscally responsible while adequately staffing police and fire services
Per the campaign site.
About Derek J. Dobies
Derek Dobies is a former Jackson mayor (2017 to 2021) and current Jackson Public Schools Board of Education member running again for mayor, per WKAR Public Media and his campaign site. Derek J. Dobies appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for City of Jackson Mayor, per the county clerk's certified candidate list.
John Wilson Nonpartisan
John Wilson appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for City of Jackson Mayor, per the county clerk's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for John Wilson.
Nonpartisan; two candidates for one seat on the November 3 ballot, per the Jackson County Clerk's official candidate list.
Full race pageSandstone Township Trustee, Partial Term Ending 11/20/2028Nicole Cantrell (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Nicole Cantrell (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Sandstone Township Trustee, Partial Term Ending 11/20/2028.
Nicole Cantrell Republican
Nicole Cantrell appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Sandstone Township Trustee, Partial Term Ending 11/20/2028, per the county clerk's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Partisan partial-term seat; unopposed on the November 3 ballot, per the Jackson County Clerk's official candidate list.
Full race pageSpringport Township Supervisor, Partial Term Ending 11/20/2028Jeff W. Mitchell (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jeff W. Mitchell (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Springport Township Supervisor, Partial Term Ending 11/20/2028.
Jeff W. Mitchell Republican
Jeff W. Mitchell appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Springport Township Supervisor, Partial Term Ending 11/20/2028, per the county clerk's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Jeff W. Mitchell.
Partisan partial-term seat; unopposed on the November 3 ballot, per the Jackson County Clerk's official candidate list.
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Jackson County is split across 6 Michigan Senate and House districts.
Find your districts by addressMichigan Senate: 2 districtsDistricts 14, 17
Michigan Senate District 14Sue Shink (D) · Tawn Shawnelle Beliger (R)
Sue Shink Democratic
Sue Shink is the incumbent state senator for the 14th District who previously served as a Northfield Township trustee and Washtenaw County commissioner, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results.
Tawn Shawnelle Beliger Republican
Tawn Shawnelle Beliger appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Michigan Senate District 14, per the county clerk's certified candidate list.
Incumbent Democrat Sue Shink is seeking re-election. Both nominees ran unopposed in their August 4 primaries, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results. This contest is on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Full race pageMichigan Senate District 17Ashleigh Baker (D) · Jonathan Lindsey (R)
Ashleigh Baker Democratic
- Living wages, affordable childcare and tax relief for working people
- Fully funded public schools and debt-free community college
- Protecting healthcare coverage and lowering prescription costs
Per the campaign site.
About Ashleigh Baker
Ashleigh Baker is the Democratic nominee for Michigan Senate District 17 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official August 4, 2026 primary results. Baker, of Marcellus, is a Democratic candidate for the 17th Senate District, per VOTE411's voter guide. She is running for the open seat held by term-limited or contested representation in the district.
Jonathan Lindsey Republican Incumbent
- Immigration enforcement and the rule of law, including his Deport Task Force legislation
- Restoring what he calls commonsense absentee voting standards
- Addressing medical debt and the state's housing shortage
Per the official Senate website.
About Jonathan Lindsey
Jonathan Lindsey is the Republican nominee for Michigan Senate District 17 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official August 4, 2026 primary results. Jonathan Lindsey is a sitting member for the district, per the Michigan Senate's official roster (senate.michigan.gov). Lindsey is the sitting state senator for the 17th District, which includes Berrien, Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties and portions of Calhoun, Hillsdale and Jackson counties, according to his official Senate page. He has represented the district since January 2023 and is seeking reelection.
Ashleigh Baker (Democratic), Jonathan Lindsey (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Michigan Senate District 17; Jonathan Lindsey is the sitting member, per the Michigan Senate's official roster (senate.michigan.gov). Nominees were chosen at the August 4, 2026 primary, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results; Michigan prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageMichigan House: 4 districtsDistricts 45, 46, 47, 48
Michigan House District 45Randy Davis (D) · Sarah Lightner (R)
Randy Davis Democratic
- Addressing rising costs for groceries, healthcare and energy
- Strengthening K-12 education
- Improving rural healthcare access
Per the campaign site.
About Randy Davis
Randy Davis is the Democratic nominee for Michigan House District 45 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official August 4, 2026 primary results. Davis served 20 years as school superintendent for Athens, Marshall, Mar-Lee and Albion and committed 25 years to a local nonprofit agency serving children and families across Michigan, according to his campaign site. He is a longtime Calhoun County resident challenging incumbent Sarah Lightner for the 45th District seat.
Sarah Lightner Republican Incumbent
Sarah Lightner is the Republican nominee for Michigan House District 45 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official August 4, 2026 primary results. Sarah Lightner is a sitting member for the district, per the Michigan House of Representatives's official roster (gophouse.org). Lightner works as a paralegal focusing on criminal defense and family law and, with her husband, operates a custom hay baling and wrapping business, according to the Michigan House Republicans caucus. She previously served as a Jackson County commissioner and was first elected to the Michigan House in November 2018, where she now chairs the House Judiciary Committee.
Randy Davis (Democratic), Sarah Lightner (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Michigan House District 45; Sarah Lightner is the sitting member, per the Michigan House of Representatives's official roster (gophouse.org). Nominees were chosen at the August 4, 2026 primary, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results; Michigan prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageMichigan House District 46Jan Maino (D) · Kathy Schmaltz (R)
Jan Maino Democratic
Jan Maino appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Michigan House District 46, per the county clerk's certified candidate list.
Kathy Schmaltz Republican
Kathy Schmaltz is the incumbent state representative for the 46th District who worked about 14 years in broadcast media at WILX-TV 10 in Lansing before entering the legislature, per the Michigan House Republicans' official member page.
Incumbent Republican Kathy Schmaltz is seeking re-election. Both nominees ran unopposed in their August 4 primaries, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results. This contest is on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Full race pageMichigan House District 47Carrie A. Rheingans (D) · Justin Griffis (R)
Carrie A. Rheingans (Democratic) and Justin Griffis (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Michigan House District 47.
Carrie A. Rheingans Democratic
Carrie A. Rheingans is the incumbent state representative for the 47th District who holds a Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results.
Justin Griffis Republican
- reducing government bureaucracy and taxes
- parental rights
- Second Amendment rights
Per the campaign site.
About Justin Griffis
Justin Griffis is an attorney running for Michigan House District 47, per the campaign site. The campaign site describes a decade of criminal law experience in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan, working as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor, per the campaign site.
Incumbent Democrat Carrie Rheingans is seeking re-election. Both nominees ran unopposed in their August 4 primaries, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results. This contest is on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Full race pageMichigan House District 48Jennifer A. Conlin (D) · Brian Ignatowski (R)
Jennifer A. Conlin Democratic
- Improve education and expand access to affordable healthcare
- Protect the environment and create good-paying jobs
- Safeguard the rights of all Michiganders
Per the campaign site.
About Jennifer A. Conlin
Conlin is a journalist with more than 12 years of experience covering Michigan small businesses, tourism, healthcare, arts and the economy, per the campaign site. A lifelong Washtenaw County resident, Conlin is running for Michigan House District 48, per the campaign site.
Brian Ignatowski Republican
- road funding and infrastructure
- funding for police and fire departments
- lowering taxes and supporting small businesses
Per the campaign site.
About Brian Ignatowski
Brian Ignatowski is a small-business owner running for Michigan House District 48, per the campaign site. His family moved to Livingston County in 1996, and he owns American H2O, a water filtration business serving the area for nearly 20 years, per the campaign site. He serves on the board of his local Chamber of Commerce and received its 2022 Emerging Leader award, per the campaign site.
Incumbent Democrat Jennifer A. Conlin is seeking re-election. Both nominees ran unopposed in their August 4 primaries, per the Michigan Secretary of State's official results. This contest is on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Full race pageBallot questions
6 local ballot questions from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Jackson County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
Jackson County Central Dispatch Proposition for 9-1-1 System FundingCountywide · Would replace the county's current authorization to charge up to $1.50 per month on landline, wireless and VoIP service users with a charge of up to $3.00 per month, effective July 1, 2027, to fund 9-1-1 dispatch services and replace 10-year-old radios for police and fire first responders, per the Jackson County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 ballot proposal.
Would replace the county's current authorization to charge up to $1.50 per month on landline, wireless and VoIP service users with a charge of up to $3.00 per month, effective July 1, 2027, to fund 9-1-1 dispatch services and replace 10-year-old radios for police and fire first responders, per the Jackson County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 ballot proposal.
Full detailsCity of Jackson Charter Amendment Proposal (City Treasurer)Local · Would amend Jackson City Charter sections 5.3, 7.1, 7.4, 7.10 and 11.5 to make the elected office of city treasurer a City Council-appointed position effective December 1, 2028, when the current treasurer's term expires, per the Jackson County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 ballot proposal.
Would amend Jackson City Charter sections 5.3, 7.1, 7.4, 7.10 and 11.5 to make the elected office of city treasurer a City Council-appointed position effective December 1, 2028, when the current treasurer's term expires, per the Jackson County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 ballot proposal.
Full detailsBlackman Charter Township Parks and Recreation Millage RenewalLocal · Would renew the township's 0.25-mill parks and recreation millage for 10 years (2027-2037), raising an estimated $173,538 in the first year, per the Jackson County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 ballot proposal.
Would renew the township's 0.25-mill parks and recreation millage for 10 years (2027-2037), raising an estimated $173,538 in the first year, per the Jackson County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 ballot proposal.
Full detailsConcord Township Road Millage RenewalLocal · Would renew a road repair and maintenance millage at 0.887 mill for six years (2026-2031), raising an estimated $104,000 in 2026, per the Jackson County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 ballot proposal.
Would renew a road repair and maintenance millage at 0.887 mill for six years (2026-2031), raising an estimated $104,000 in 2026, per the Jackson County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 ballot proposal.
Full detailsLiberty Township New Fire Department MillageLocal · Would authorize a new millage of up to 1.25 mills for three years beginning November 2026, dedicated to non-operational fire department funding for a replacement fire engine and equipment, raising an estimated $247,488 in the first year, per the Jackson County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 ballot proposal.
Would authorize a new millage of up to 1.25 mills for three years beginning November 2026, dedicated to non-operational fire department funding for a replacement fire engine and equipment, raising an estimated $247,488 in the first year, per the Jackson County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 ballot proposal.
Full detailsNorvell Township Public Safety Millage ProposalLocal · Would authorize a new millage of up to 2 mills for ten years (2026-2035) to fund police, fire and emergency medical/ambulance services, raising an estimated $391,000 in the first year, per the Jackson County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 ballot proposal.
Would authorize a new millage of up to 2 mills for ten years (2026-2035) to fund police, fire and emergency medical/ambulance services, raising an estimated $391,000 in the first year, per the Jackson County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 ballot proposal.
Full detailsSee your full ballot
Voting info and more
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Verify your ballot with the official election office.
Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.
Michigan nominees were set by the August 4 primary, one per party, and meet on the November 3 ballot; county commissioners and county row officers (clerk, treasurer, sheriff, prosecutor) are elected in presidential years, so no county offices appear in 2026, and judges run without party labels, per the Secretary of State.
Who is on the ballot in Jackson County, Michigan on November 3, 2026?
Jackson County sample ballot 2026: see where the norvell township clerk, rives township clerk and judge of candidates stand on schools, taxes and housing. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
When is the 2026 general election in Michigan?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Michigan are listed on the Michigan election hub. Michigan election hub →
What ballot questions are on the Jackson County ballot?
6 ballot questions: Jackson County Central Dispatch Proposition for 9-1-1 System Funding; City of Jackson Charter Amendment Proposal (City Treasurer); Blackman Charter Township Parks and Recreation Millage Renewal; and more. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
How do I see my exact Jackson County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup for the statewide and congressional races on every ballot in the county, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location. Look up your ballot →
Sample ballot by ZIP code in Jackson County19 ZIP codes
Candidate roster last updated Sep 27, 2026 from official election sources.