ESCANABA — Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today for the statewide primary election, giving Yoopers and residents across the state a chance to weigh in on issues and who should remain in the running for elected seats at all levels of government.

Locally, there are no contested races for the Democratic Party, but the Republican slate includes a plethora of candidates looking to take local or state office. Voters must declare whether they want to vote on a Republican or Democratic party ballot — a decision which allows them to vote only amongst the candidates from that party — however, there is no requirement to be registered with either party in order to vote in a party’s primary.

GOVERNOR

At the state level, those voting on the Republican ballot will be able to select from the five remaining candidates vying to take on Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is running without Democratic opposition, in the November General Election. The Republican field, however, is a shadow of what it was earlier this year after five additional candidates were disqualified from the race.

The remaining Republican gubernatorial candidates are Tudor M. Dixon, Ryan D. Kelley, Ralph Rebandt, Kevin Rinke and Garrett Soldano.

108TH STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Because he is running unopposed, Democrat Chris Lopez, of Escanaba, will undoubtedly appear on the November ballot, but which of the four Republican candidates looking to fill the 108th District House seat remains to be seen.

Those voting on the Republican primary ballot will see the names of Casey C. Hoffman, of Menominee; Kurt Perron, of Brimley; David Prestin, of Cedar River; and Mark H. Simon, of Menominee.

38TH STATE SENATE DISTRICT

One familiar name will appear on the Republican ballot in the 38th Senate District race, but incumbent Senator Ed McBroom, of Vulcan, will also be facing two challengers. Matthew Furyk, of Marquette, and Kayla Wikstrom, of Perkins, aim to seize the Republican spot on the General Election ballot from McBroom.

Whoever wins the contest will face off against Democrat John Braamse, who is running unopposed for the spot on the Democratic ticket.

COUNTY RACES

Changes to the recently-redrawn district map at the county level have created a unique race for some of the county seats. The changes put two currently-seated commissioners into District 3, incumbent Democrat Theresa Nelson, of Bark River, who currently represents District 3, and incumbent Republican Bob Barron, of Escanaba Township, who currently represents District 5. Nelson is running unopposed for the Democratic spot on the November ballot, but Barron, who now must woo a new constituency, must also prove he is a better candidate than Republican Christine Williams, of Bark River.

The only candidate on either ballot for the newly-opened District 5 seat is Republican Robert. J. Petersen.

In District 1, no Democratic candidates filed to appear on the ballot, however currently-seated Republican John C. Malnar is being challenged by John E. Denholm.

For District 2, three candidates filed to fill the Republican spot on the ballot. Those candidates are Steven Viau, Brian Godfrey and Anne Truitt.

The only Democrat seeking District 2 is Casey S. Schroeder.

Voters in District 4 will only have one option, regardless of which ballot they vote on. Democrats will see the name of Meredith Seppanen and Republicans will see the name of incumbent David Moyle.

SCHOOL MILLAGES

Voters who live in the Gladstone and Rapid River school districts will also be presented with bond proposals, which would increase the millage rate for their residents in order to fund things like the purchase of school buses, technology and security upgrades, school building additions and other capital improvements.

The Gladstone proposal would allow the district to borrow a sum not to exceed $47,625,000 and the Rapid River proposal would allow the Rapid River School District to borrow not more than $12,125,000. Under both proposals, the districts would issue bonds to fund the debt.

The millage rate to support the bonds in the Gladstone district would be an average of 4.90 mills ($4.90 per $1,000 of taxable value) over a 30 year period. The rate in the Rapid River School District would be 3.82 mills ($3.82 per $1,000 of taxable value) on average over a 25 year period.

TOWNSHIP MILLAGES

In Garden Township, voters will see a millage renewal proposal to levy up to 2 mills ($2 per $1,000 of taxable value) for 10 years, 2023 to 2032, inclusive, for operating, equipping and other tasks related to the Garden Township Solid Waste Station. If approved, the millage would raise approximately $124,000 in the first year levied.

Fairbanks Township residents will also see a renewal proposal, a 0.62 mill (62 cents per $1,000 of taxable value) for township road repair and improvements. The millage — which would be levied for four years, 2022 to 2025, inclusive — would generate approximately $62,062 in the first year levied.