A special election on May 5, 2026, will require Kalamazoo County residents to make decisions on seven ballot measures that could impact schools, local trash services, and property taxes across the region.

The election includes three millage renewals, three bond proposals, and one ordinance amendment that voters must approve to implement.

School Millages

The most significant measure is a KRESA Special Education Millage Renewal and Restoration Proposal that would allow the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency to continue levying a 1.5-mill property tax rate. KRESA serves nine school districts across the county including Kalamazoo Public Schools, Portage Public Schools, Comstock Public Schools, Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools, Gull Lake Community Schools, Parchment School District, Schoolcraft Community Schools, Vicksburg Community Schools, and Climax-Scotts Community Schools.

KRESA Superintendent Dedrick Martin said the millage would generate approximately $16,815,446 annually in local property taxes. Without these funds, he said, school districts would have to cut from other areas such as athletics and general education to cover mandated special education costs.

"If this millage is not passed, there'd be a loss of just under $500 per student," Martin said.

Two other millage renewals are also on the ballot:

  • A Colon Community Schools Sinking Fund Millage Renewal Proposal that would renew a 1.2906-mill rate to fund building repairs and renovations. This millage would generate approximately $328,989 annually.
  • A Mattawan Consolidated Schools Operating Millage Renewal Proposal that would allow the district to continue levying up to 18 mills on secondary residences and industrial properties.

Portage Trash System

A Portage trash referendum will let residents choose whether to keep Waste Management as their single trash hauler or have the option to select their own provider.

The City of Portage and Waste Management have been in a contractual agreement since late March. The city says residents are saving 44% more compared to previous rates, and the single-hauler approach has resulted in fewer trash vehicles on the roads and quieter operations.

"We're just super excited to be in the City of Portage and providing that excellent service," said Dave Wainscott of Waste Management.

The agreement cut out Best Way Disposal, a Kalamazoo-based trash service. Chris Phillips, manager at Best Way and a member of the Take Back the Trash petition committee, said residents should have a choice in their trash provider.

"People get to pick their provider," Phillips said. "It keeps competition alive."

The ballot initiative allows Portage residents to vote on whether they want to maintain the single-hauler arrangement or have the opportunity to choose their own trash service.

Three Bond Proposals

Three bond proposals are on the ballot, though specific details about each measure were not available at the time of reporting.

Voting Information

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. The last day to register to vote in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, April 20, 2026.

All eligible voters in Michigan can vote by absentee ballot. Residents must request an absentee ballot by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2026, if requesting by mail. Early voting is available in person at clerk's offices until 4 p.m. on May 4, 2026. Absentee ballots must be returned to the clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Election Context

The May 5 election is an off-cycle special election, and such elections notoriously experience low turnout. The May 2025 special election received ballots from only 20% of Kalamazoo County's registered voters.

Despite lower turnout, the ballot measures still require voter approval to be implemented.