MONTAGUE — In 2022, Michigan voters agreed statewide to pass a new law requiring nine days of early voting in every county within the state. Many White Lake residents see this new change as not benefiting small towns like Whitehall and Montague, with smaller populations. At Monday’s meeting, city council debated whether to host their early voting site at Montague City Hall or to join other small towns surrounding White Lake at one large voting site for Muskegon County as a whole.
Councilwoman Laura LaGuire voiced frustrations that if Montague were to participate in the group early voting at Muskegon Community College, there would likely be a transportation barrier for some White Lake residents. However, City Clerk Kelly Markley brought up that the main benefit of Montague participating with Muskegon County is it would be significantly cheaper. Additionally, Montague would struggle with finding enough employees to work the early voting days and does not have the necessary equipment. Council members ultimately voted to participate in the group voting site at Muskegon Community College.
