Washtenaw County · Primary Ballot · August 4, 2026

Vote YES to keep Washtenaw working.

On August 4, vote YES to renew Washtenaw Community College's operating millage. It's a renewal of the funding voters first approved in 2016 — powering the training, programs, and opportunity our community depends on.

Make your plan to vote See what's at stake

A renewal of the 2016 operating millage · 0.85 mill · 10 years (2027–2036)

This renewal supports all Washtenaw County residents — funding the nurses who care for us, the officers who protect us, the teachers who educate our children, the skilled trades who build and power our region, and the cybersecurity specialists who safeguard our digital world.

What's on the ballot

A renewal — not a new tax.

When you read your August 4 primary ballot, you'll find WCC's request to renew an operating millage that voters previously approved in 2016. The proposal renews it for a 10-year period (2027 through 2036) and restores the rate to 0.85 mill.

0.85 mill

The rate the proposal restores — about 85¢ per $1,000 of taxable value.

10 years

The renewal period: 2027 through 2036.

2016 first approved

This renews funding the community already approved — keeping a good thing going.

The millage provides essential support for WCC's programs, services, information technology, and cutting-edge training labs aligned with industry standards.

What would it cost you?

At 0.85 mill, the renewal costs about 85¢ per $1,000 of a home's taxable value — for most households, less than a cup of coffee a month.

For a $100,000 home

$0.23a day

$85a year

Based on a home with $100,000 in taxable value at 0.85 mill.

By the numbers

60 years of keeping up the good work.

For 60 years, community investment in WCC has strengthened our workforce, fueled our economy, and expanded opportunity across Washtenaw County.

$524M estimated annual economic impact on Washtenaw County

25,000 students educated and trained every year

$99 per in-district credit hour — the lowest tuition in Michigan

#1 transfer institution to the University of Michigan

59,000+ graduates earning 89,000+ degrees and certificates

140+ programs today — up from just 22 in 1966, with 51 fully online

Why vote yes

Five ways this renewal keeps our community strong.

The most affordable path to higher education

Lowest tuition in the state: $99 per in-district credit hour.
About $2,970/yr at WCC vs. $14,528 at public universities and $32,558 at private ones.
Dual enrollment up 76% in a decade — students earn college credit in high school.

Academic excellence

90% of students rate their instructors "good" or "excellent."
Designated Nursing Center of Excellence and an NSA Cyber Defense Center of Excellence.
Graduates transfer to U-M, MSU, Brown, Columbia, Harvard, Yale and leading HBCUs.

Professional advancement

Built for real lives — average student age 26, about 70% attend part-time.
Day, evening, weekend and 51 fully online programs to fit work and family.
Student Success Guarantee: graduates are job- or transfer-ready — or eligible for free retakes.

Workforce & economic impact

$524M in estimated annual impact on the regional economy.
74,000+ skilled trades professionals trained over 35 years.
12,000+ nurses and 1,400+ law enforcement officers trained for local jobs.

Community & personal enrichment

$7.7M in free Emeritus classes for residents 65 and older.
Nearly 8,000 people a year in personal and professional development.
Support for 500+ veterans and family members annually.

Ready to keep it going?

August 4 is your chance to renew six decades of opportunity for our county.

How to vote YES

How to vote

Three easy ways to make your YES count.

Michigan makes it simple to vote on your schedule — by mail, early, or on Election Day. Confirm your registration and find everything you need at the official Michigan Voter Information Center.

Vote by mail

Every registered voter in Michigan can request an absentee ballot — no reason required. Request early so your ballot arrives in time.

Vote early

Michigan offers at least nine days of early in-person voting before Election Day. Check your local early voting site and hours.

Vote on August 4

Polls are open 7am–8pm on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. You can even register and vote on Election Day at your local clerk's office.

Check your registration & ballot ↗ Washtenaw County Clerk ↗

Add your name

Pledge to vote YES on August 4.

Join your neighbors, local businesses, and community leaders standing up for affordable education and a stronger Washtenaw County. Take the pledge and we'll send a reminder before Election Day.

Get a reminder before the August 4 deadline
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