By Gari Voss
May elections are often overlooked since not all precincts have millages on the ballot or official positions to fill. The May 5, 2026, Allegan County election involved only five proposals and six precincts. All proposals were important, but it was the Hopkins Public Schools $110 million bond proposal that got attention with a result of 1,091 yes and 1,091 no.
Upon examining the unofficial results as of May 5th, Allegan County Clerk Bob Genetski shared that he could remember it happening only one other time in the time he had been clerk.
The vote count will be officially completed May 11, 2026. Genetski explained that there is potential for the count to change if military and overseas votes arrive which can be accepted on that date. There could also be a review for signature corrections on rejected absentee ballots that voters could correct by May 8th.
“The Canvassers have found no reason to believe the vote is not completely accurate,” stated Genetski. “Barring anything crazy, the Board will meet briefly to vote on certifying the election. After that, if a voter in the Hopkins School District wants to petition for a recount, they have 48 hours to do so.”
If the vote remains tied after any overseas ballots and signature cures are counted, the results will equal a failed proposal because to pass, a proposal must have a majority of votes.
The polling station in Hopkins had been busy on Tuesday, May 5th with voters weighing in on the school bond proposal that would make improvements in safety and security in all schools, create a performing arts center, improve high school locker rooms, upgrade technology, and replace the middle school. The plan would not increase the millage rate currently charged to property owners.
Other ballot proposal results on May 5th revealed more normal results. The City of Holland Wards 4 and 5 voters were asked to approve the operating millage for the Macatawa Area Express (MAX), the City of Holland Public Schools and the Saugatuck Public Schools wanted their Sinking Fund Millage reinstated, and Zeeland Public was asking for an Operating Millage Renewal.
Holland Ward 4 and 5 voters easily passed the MAX Transportation Authority Operating Millage with votes of 718 yes and 353 no.
The City of Holland School District said yes to their Sinking Fund Millage Proposal with 750 yeah and 589 nays.
Saugatuck Public Schools also passed their Sinking Fund Millage Proposal with 932 yes to 488 no.
Zeeland voters rejected the Public School Operating Millage Renewal Proposal with 118 no and 76 yes.
The Allegan County Board of Canvassers met on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Allegan County Courthouse. The Canvassers will reconvene on Tuesday, May 12th beginning at 9am to complete their review of the May 5, 2026, voting results.
Hopkins Public Schools has an opportunity to request a recount, which is what Clerk Genetski feels may occur. Or they can go back to the voters with the bond proposal in the November election.
