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Over One Million Michigan Voters Cast Ballots Before Primary Election Day

With today being the day for polls to open for Michigan’s Primary Election, more than one million voters have already cast their ballots. 

According to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, over 73,500 voters participated in early in-person voting, while more than 970,000 have submitted absentee ballots. This marks the first election year with a constitutionally mandated nine-day early voting period, a provision introduced by Proposal 2, passed in 2022.

Benson praised the high level of voter engagement and the efforts of Michigan’s clerks and poll workers in ensuring a smooth and secure voting process. For those who have yet to vote, polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on today’s Election Day. Voters can still register and vote today as well at their local clerk’s office.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Hunter Hospitality House Launches 6th Annual Raffle To Support Endowment Fund

Hunter Hospitality House is thrilled to announce its 6th Annual Endowment Fund Awareness Raffle, offering a chance to win exciting prizes while supporting a worthy cause. 

With only 300 tickets available at $100 each, participants have the opportunity to win big and contribute to the house’s sustainability. Prizes include $5,000 cash for the 1st Prize, a LeVian Pendant donated by Lawrence Jewelers for the 2nd Prize, a pair of electric scooters donated by JC Masonry Poured Walls for the 3rd Prize, and a one-night stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Port Huron plus a $50 gift card to Freighters for the 4th Prize. 

The drawing will be held on August 30th, at 5 p.m. at Hunter Hospitality House, located at 1015 Vanderburgh Place, Port Huron, and broadcast live on their Facebook page. 

For more information, visit: hunterhospitalityhouse.com or by calling 810-824-3679.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water River Walk Celebrates 10 Years With Full Moon Festivities On The St. Clair River

Join the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary on September, 15th. 

The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Ferry Dock, located at 51 Court Street, featuring live music, a bonfire, and catered food. The evening kicks off with official remarks at 6:00 p.m., followed by engaging activities including river storytelling with Andrew Kercher, live community art by Jody Parmann, and a shoreline tour with the Trailblazers. 

Since its ribbon-cutting in 2014, the River Walk has transformed a mile of industrial waterfront, investing over $6 million in environmental restoration and economic development. Sponsored by Friends of the St. Clair River, Community Foundation of St. Clair County, and St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission, the event promises a memorable celebration. 

For more information, contact: Sheri Faust at sheri@scriver.org or visit scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Embrace Your Inner Web-Slinger By Celebrating Spider-Man Day On August 1st

August 1st is Spider-Man Day, a celebration for all fans of the iconic superhero. Created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, Spider-Man has been Marvel Comics’ most beloved character for 59 years. First appearing in “Amazing Fantasy” #15 in August 1962, Spider-Man broke the mold by featuring an awkward, antisocial teenager who gained his powers and abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. 

Fans are encouraged to celebrate in their own unique ways, remembering that “with great power comes great responsibility.” Whether re-reading classic comics, watching movies, or dressing up as the web-slinger, the day is about appreciating Spider-Man’s impact in pop culture. 

Spider-Man’s journey from “The Amazing Spider-Man” in March 1963 to his adventures with characters like the Human Torch and Daredevil has captivated audiences for generations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov Gretchen Whitmer

Governor Whitmer Signs Three Bills To Boost Wages, Revitalize Communities

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three pivotal bills this week aimed at raising wages for clean energy workers, reducing costs for local governments to repair damaged properties, and cutting red tape to eliminate blight.

“Michiganders across the state deserve competitive wages to help them get ahead and safe neighborhoods to return home to at the end of the day,” said Whitmer.

Senate Bill 571 ensures higher pay for those working on renewable energy projects, fostering a more competitive and equitable state contracting process. House Bill 4331 gives local governments more financial flexibility to fix damaged properties, while House Bill 4332 incentivizes timely correction of blight violations.

“These commonsense bills put more money in the pockets of hardworking Michiganders and make our communities better places to live, work, and invest,” Whitmer added.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Early Voting Begins For Michigan’s Aug. 6 Primary Election

Starting Saturday, July 27th, and running through Sunday, August 4th, registered Michigan voters can cast their ballots in person at early voting sites for the August 6th Primary Election. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson emphasized the importance of voter participation, noting the convenience of early voting options available at Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.

“Every citizen has the power to make their voice heard at the ballot box,” Benson said. “Michigan voters have two Saturdays, two Sundays, and a whole week in between to vote early.”

Early voting sites function like Election Day polling places, with ballots counted throughout the period but results withheld until election night. Voters can also hand-deliver absentee ballots to early voting sites, local clerk offices, or secure drop boxes.

For more information, visit: Michigan.gov/Vote.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell