Signs for and against Proposal A along Main Street in Ann Arbor on Nov. 5, 2018. (Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

ANN ARBOR, MI – Election Day is here and voters are casting their ballots at the polls from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Here’s a quick look at some of the top local races and issues being decided in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, with links to recent news coverage.

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A view of the Library Lot from the balcony of the Denali condo building, 322 E. Liberty St., in Ann Arbor on Oct. 31, 2018. Proponents of a central park on this site envision a park starting at ground level along Fifth Avenue with a tiered level stepping up over the underground parking ramp area here in the foreground with a link over to Liberty Plaza through property to be redeveloped by Ann Arbor developer First Martin Corp., while opponents of the park proposal support a 17-story high-rise development on the Library Lot with a smaller, developer-funded plaza and new revenue for affordable housing, schools and other services. (Jacob Hamilton | The Ann Arbor News)

Ann Arbor central park proposal

Should Ann Arbor try to create a public park and civic center commons atop an underground parking garage on the downtown library block?

Proposal A, which was placed on the ballot through a citizen initiative, would keep the land in the city’s hands in perpetuity, a move opposed by the mayor and his allies who want to sell development rights to a Chicago developer proposing a 17-story high-rise with a developer-funded plaza space.

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Ryan Hughes, left, and Jeff Hayner. (File photos | The Ann Arbor News)

1st Ward Ann Arbor council race

Ann Arbor’s affordable housing issues are a focus in the 1st Ward matchup between Democratic nominee Jeff Hayner and democratic socialist Ryan Hughes, who argues the rent in Ann Arbor is “too damn high.”

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4th Ward Ann Arbor council race

In the 4th Ward, Democratic nominee Elizabeth Nelson faces independent Joe Hood, a former Republican precinct delegate.

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From left, Ypsilanti mayoral candidates Anne Brown (write-in), Beth Bashert (Democrat on ballot), and Adrienne Hirschfelder (independent on ballot). Two other candidates, Mickeila Tate (independent on ballot) and Sheila McSpadden (write-in) did not respond to the League of Women Voters voter guide questionnaire or submit photos. (Courtesy photos)

Ypsilanti mayoral race

Mayor Amanda Edmonds is stepping down and five candidates have stepped up to run to become Ypsilanti's next mayor.



The three candidates on the ballot are Beth Bashert, a Democrat who represents Ward 2 on the City Council, and Mickeila Tate and Adrienne Hirschfelder, both running as independents.

Sheila McSpadden and Anne Brown have filed to run as write-in candidates.

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Walberg vs. Driskell

Two years after failing to unseat U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, Gretchen Driskell is back taking another shot.

The former mayor of Saline and former state representative is once again running as a Democrat in Michigan's 7th Congressional District, hoping to oust the Republican incumbent from Tipton.



Walberg, a former pastor, is seeking a sixth term in Congress.

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Attorney Thomas Bourque, left, and Washtenaw County District Judge J. Cedric Simpson pose in their respective offices before the Nov. 6, 2018 election. Bourque is campaigning against Simpson, the incumbent, for the only contested judge seat in Washtenaw County. (Ben Allan Smith / Jacob Hamilton)

Contested judge race

Judge J. Cedric Simpson is being challenged by Ann Arbor attorney Thomas Bourque for a six-year term on Washtenaw County's 14A District Court bench.

Simpson's nine-month suspension for interfering in his intern's drunken-driving arrest is front and center in the race.

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This rendering shows what the front of a new library on North Harris Road in Superior Township would look like. (Courtesy of YDL)

Ypsilanti library millage

Ypsilanti District Library is asking voters to support a tax proposal that would raise more than $16 million over the next 12 years.

Residents of the city of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township and part of Superior Township can vote on the library's millage proposal.

Passing the millage would allow the library to move forward with building a new branch on North Harris Road in Superior Township, near the MacArthur Boulevard and Willow Run neighborhoods. The revenue also would allow the library to expand its collections, maintain services and upgrade technology, officials said.

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File photo | The Ann Arbor News

Ann Arbor school board

Eight candidates are vying for four Ann Arbor Public Schools board of education seats and three are running together as a slate.

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Ypsilanti school board race

Six candidates are vying for three Ypsilanti Community Schools Board of Education seats and those elected will be involved in hiring YCS' next superintendent.

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UM Regent candidates answer questions during a forum in the Great Lakes Room of Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Avenue in Ann Arbor on Oct. 15, 2018. (Jacob Hamilton l The Ann Arbor News)

University of Michigan regents race

Ten candidates are vying for two University of Michigan Board of Regents seats. A statewide vote will determine who will serve the eight-year terms on the board.

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A sign in support of Proposal A in Ann Arbor. (Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

14 ballot proposals in Washtenaw County

Altogether, there are 14 ballot proposals being decided by voters in different parts of Washtenaw County. See all of them.

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Campaign signs in Ann Arbor. (Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

Here's everything else

Of course, there's more, including other local races, the Michigan governor's race, county board races and more. Find info about all contested races on the ballot in Ann Arbor and elsewhere in Washtenaw County and find out where to vote.