Three townships to combine election services for early voting

by Joseph Schultz

Preparations for the 2026 state-wide elections came before the Watson Township Board meeting Thursday night. At issue was how to efficiently carry out the early voting requirements for 1,892 registered voters.

The nine-day early voting requirement makes it difficult for a rural community like Watson to have enough poll workers to staff the election. The solution that was proposed was to agree to combine election services with Monterey and Hopkins townships.

During early voting, Watson voters would go to Hopkins and join with voters from Hopkins and Monterey to cast their ballot. Voters who decide to vote on election day would still go to the local polling place they have in the past. The Watson board approved in joining the agreement.

In other matters that came before the board:

• It was announced to the board that 2^nd Captain firefighter Tim Holmes was promoted to fir^st captain.  With the promotion, the fire department is taking applications for the second captain position. They hope to announce the new second captain at next month’s meeting.
• The board also approved the Wayland Area Emergency Medical Services fourth amendment to the Interlocal Agreement.  The amendment requires a 90-day notice to withdraw from the agreement. It also clarifies what charges the withdrawing municipality would be responsible for.  Along with approving the amendment, the board approved the formula for the portion Watson will be charged next year for the WAEMS service.  
• Board member Michelle Harris said she wanted the community to know that the cost for the WAEMS Vital Care program is going up to $65 next year. The cost currently is $45, but if you pay for three years, or $135, you will get the fourth year free. To take advantage of the cost savings, you will need to mail or return in person the completed application, along with your payment.

1. 1.Townships combine forces for early voting

PHOTO CAPTION:Newly minted 1^st Captain Tim Holmes

Preparations for the 2026 state-wide elections came before the Watson Township Board meeting Thursday night. At issue was how to efficiently carry out the early voting requirements for 1,892 registered voters.

The nine-day early voting requirement makes it difficult for a rural community like Watson to have enough poll workers to staff the election. The solution that was proposed was to agree to combine election services with Monterey and Hopkins townships.

During early voting, Watson voters would go to Hopkins and join with voters from Hopkins and Monterey to cast their ballot. Voters who decide to vote on election day would still go to the local polling place they have in the past. The Watson board approved in joining the agreement.

In other matters that came before the board:

• It was announced to the board that Second Captain firefighter Tim Holmes was promoted to fir^st captain.  With the promotion, the fire department is taking applications for the second captain position. They hope to announce the new second captain at next month’s meeting.
• The board also approved the Wayland Area Emergency Medical Services fourth amendment to the Interlocal Agreement.  The amendment requires a 90-day notice to withdraw from the agreement. It also clarifies what charges the withdrawing municipality would be responsible for.  Along with approving the amendment, the board approved the formula for the portion Watson will be charged next year for the WAEMS service.  
• Board member Michelle Harris said she wanted the community to know that the cost for the WAEMS Vital Care program is going up to $65 next year. The cost currently is $45, but if you pay for three years, or $135, you will get the fourth year free. To take advantage of the cost savings, you will need to mail or return in person the completed application, along with your payment.