New Voters in Union Township

by Jason Antoniewicz

College students are registered to vote in high numbers across Union Township.

Township clerk Margie Henry said approximately 2,800 students make up the new crop of voters.

"I like to see the college kids get active in the community," she said, noting students have not gotten as involved in the past.

Union Township's greatest gains in voters were in Precincts 2 and 3. These precincts are the focus of student turnout, as they include apartment complexes like Deerfield, Lexington and Jamestown.

Union has gone Republican in past elections, with a number of Republicans on the Board of Trustees. New student voters, predominantly Democrat, may alter the political landscape.

"If the students vote straight (ticket), it will definitely change Union Township," Henry said.

Central Michigan University sophomore Tracy Graal may be part of that change, but not by voting straight with her party.

"I'm gonna try to read up on the other (candidates)," she said. "I think it's important to do more than just say 'this guy's good.'"

For the Chicago native, now residing in Union Township's second precinct, the 2008 presidential election is her first.

"I'm pretty much set on voting for Obama after watching all the debates and everything," Graal said.

On November 4th, voters can choose among four Democrats, four Republicans and two independents for the township Board of Trustees. Margie Henry runs for re-election as clerk against 24-year-old Democrat Peter Gallinat.

In the township supervisor race, Democrat John Barker goes up against Republican Richard Haynes. Republican candidate for treasurer Pam Stovak runs unopposed.

Voters in Union Township's first precinct cast their vote at the township hall, while Precinct 2 votes at Jameson Hall, and Precinct 3 at West Intermediate School. Union Township will have additional voting stations and staff on hand at these locations to handle the predicted turnout.