City of Plymouth residents who haven't cast a ballot yet can vote early through Sunday, August 2, before the Tuesday, August 4 state primary. A new transit tax is among the decisions waiting for them at the polls.

Early voting is open at Plymouth Cultural Center, 525 Farmer St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through August 2, according to the city's official newsletter published Wednesday, July 29. Voters who miss the early window can cast ballots on Election Day, Tuesday, August 4, at the same location from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

As we reported July 27, the city warned absentee voters not to mail their ballots, saying delivery by the 8 p.m. Election Day deadline cannot be guaranteed. Absentee ballots should go in the drop boxes at City Hall instead.

What's on the ballot

The highest-profile local question is the Wayne County Public Transportation Millage. Plymouth is one of 17 Wayne County communities that previously opted out of SMART bus service. Under a state law signed in January 2025, communities can no longer opt out, so Plymouth residents will vote on the millage for the first time. A judge dismissed a lawsuit seeking to block the measure, clearing it for the ballot across all 43 Wayne County communities.

The proposal would authorize the Wayne County Transit Authority to levy up to 0.9831 mills for 10 years, from 2026 through 2035, according to The News-Herald. Wayne County estimates that would cost the owner of a $200,000 home about $8 per month. The millage is projected to collect $57.6 million countywide in its first year.

If approved, Wayne County officials say SMART would add eight new bus routes, five route extensions, and on-demand service over roughly three years, according to the Detroit Regional Chamber's voter guide. A proposed Route 295 would connect Detroit, Redford Township, Livonia, Plymouth Township, Plymouth, and Canton Township.

If the millage fails, SMART would lose its local Wayne County funding, and suburban routes, rideshare, and specialized service for seniors and people with disabilities would end across the county, according to the Michigan Chronicle.

Plymouth resident Ron Picard told CBS Detroit in June that he doubts SMART would deliver on promised routes. "If you look at Oakland County's 2022 millage, they had a big map of what the proposed routes could be," Picard said. "When you look at what they've actually provided over the last four years, it's just a tiny fraction of what they promised."

Plymouth Township resident Steve Barnaby told the same outlet in June that he views the millage as a long-term investment in community infrastructure.

State races

The ballot also includes state legislative primaries. The 22nd House District, covering Plymouth, Northville, and parts of Livonia, is an open seat. Rep. Matt Koleszar, D-Plymouth, is running for the 5th State Senate District instead. Candidates for the House seat are Lisa McIntyre (D) and Casey Noce (R). The Senate race features Koleszar against Republican Estelle Oliansky.

How to vote

Residents can verify their registration and view a sample ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us. Early voting continues through Sunday, August 2, at Plymouth Cultural Center, 525 Farmer St., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Election Day polls open Tuesday, August 4, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the same location.