Cut through the election clutter: What you need on Aug. 6

“If you don’t represent and defend agriculture locally, who will?” 

Keep those words from Michigan Farm Bureau’s election expert Matt Kapp in mind as you head to the polls Aug. 6. 

Your vote matters. Your voice matters. 

So, before you fill in those (tiny) circles on your ballot with (only) a blue or black pen, here’s a recap of the election information we’ve shared throughout the summer to help you prepare. 

Friends of Agriculture

In June, MFB’s nonpartisan political action committee, AgriPac, announced the candidates selected to receive the organizations endorsement in the primary election. 

Check out the 81 candidates who make up the 2024 Friends of Agriculture roster.

Candidates with agriculture experience

Among the Friends of Agriculture are several who currently farm or have previous experience in agriculture and are seeking election or reelection in the Michigan House of Representatives. 

• Jennifer Wortz, a Branch County Farm Bureau member, is running for the 35th House District (all of Branch and Hillsdale counties and the city of Hudson in Lenawee County).
• Cady Ness-Smith, Ingham County Farm Bureau member and member of the MFB Equine Advisory Committee, is running for the 77th House District (portions of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties, including Lansing, DeWitt and Watertown Township). 
• Rep. Rachelle Smit, an Allegan County Farm Bureau member, seeks reelection to the 43rd House District (most of Allegan County and portions of Barry, Eaton and Ottawa counties).
• Rep. Sarah Lightner, a Jackson County Farm Bureau member, looks to again represent the 45th House District (portions of Calhoun and Jackson counties). 
• Rep. Luke Meerman, an Ottawa County Farm Bureau member, seeks reelection to the 89th House District (portions of Ottawa and Muskegon counties). 
• Rep. Bryan Posthumus, a Kent County hops farmer, looks to again represent the 90th House District (portions of Kent County).
• Rep. Jerry Neyer, an Isabella County Farm Bureau member, seeks reelection in the 92nd House District (Isabella County and a portion of Gratiot County). 
• Rep. Greg Alexander, a Sanilac County Farm Bureau member, seeks reelection in the 98th House District (Huron County and portions of Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola counties). 
• Parker Fairbairn, an Emmet County Farm Bureau board member, is running for the 107th House District (All of Charlevoix and Emmet counties and portions of Cheboygan, Chippewa, and Mackinac counties).

Be sure to read our special coverage of first-time candidates Parker Fairbairn, Mary Draves, Cady Ness-Smith and Jennifer Wortz. 

U.S. Senate race

Your ballot will also include the candidates vying for retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s open U.S. Senate seat. 

MFB reached out to the candidates, asking four basic questions to help you learn more about them. Read about their thoughts on agriculture issues, work experience, and personal background. 

Election logistics

If you’re looking for a full list of candidates who will appear on your ballot, visit our easy-to-use candidate locator. Or if you need to double check your polling location, hours, absentee ballot deadlines, clerk contact information and more, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center provided by the Secretary of State’s office. 

Nov. 5 general election 

Watch for our post-election news coverage following the primary election to see how Friends of Agriculture fared in their races. 

MFB’s AgriPac will meet again in September to make additional endorsements ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. 

Offices set to appear on the general election ballot include: President, U.S. Senate, Congress (13 seats), Michigan Supreme Court (two seats), MSU Board of Trustees (two seats), Michigan House of Representatives (110 seats) and numerous county and township positions.