Written by Tanya Terry

“This is Gretchen Whitmer. I was just calling to make sure that you had your plan to vote, whether you’ve got your ballot already and you printed it out and you sent it back it, or you planning to go in person…We’ve got this real primary February 27, and you can vote now. And just wanted to remind you. This is another high-stakes election. Again, Michigan gets an opportunity to weigh in earlier than usual and want to make sure that our voices are heard loud and clear. So, please make sure to get that ballot in. And if you want to volunteer to help others to do the same, go to ‘Fight Like Hell PAC.’ And we’d love to get on the books to make some calls to remind others. I hope to catch up with you soon.”

They were some of the words the governor spoke recently as she helped the MEA and Michigan educators to kick off a phone bank hosted by “Fight Like Hell PAC” at the MEA Flint.

Whitmer pointed out that “for too long Michigan was later in the process…We are the most diverse state in the country. It’s important that our voices are heard early in this process, and now is our time to weigh in.”

She stressed that people can get a ballot, or go in person to cast their votes.

“People need to know that this opportunity is right now,” Whitmer added.

She said the primary matters “because you can’t get to the White House unless you go through the state of Michigan.”

“This is going to be an important, crucial election. Michigan’s voices are very important.”

Swartz Creek Resident Sharon Armstrong said she was thrilled to be at the kickoff, to meet the governor and shake her hand.

“It’s really important that we know about our president and our vice president, and she’s really gave us the positive talking points there,” said Armstrong. “It’s just great to have somebody that’s so involved and knows what’s going on.”

Flint Township Resident Lacracha Handy said what was said by the governor was what Michigan residents needed to hear. She said we do need to fight.

“I always say fight as if our lives depend on it – because it does – with education, with healthcare,” Handy added. “Right now we’re at a crucial point where we need to have someone in office where they will make sure to make this happen for us.”

For a complete list of official candidates for the Feb. 27 presidential primary, visit https://cms7files.revize.com/genessecountymi/BallotSurveyCandidate.pdf.

For your voter information, including

• Registration Status
• Polling place, location and hours
• Early voting location and hours
• Viewing a sample ballot and
• Tracking an absentee ballot, plus more

visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index