Sterling Heights moves candidate forum taping earlier so voters see candidates before absentee ballots ship

Sterling Heights — Council members approved amendments to the city’s policy for operating local cable channels to ensure the annual “meet the candidates” taping occurs before absentee ballots are mailed to voters.

Marketing and Communications Manager Marissa Russo told council that since Michigan changed absentee and early‑voting timelines, the city’s longstanding first‑Thursday taping often happens after absentee ballots are already mailed. Russo recommended moving the event to the fourth week in September — the agenda item suggested the fourth Wednesday but left room for Tuesday or Thursday — so voters can see candidates before ballots go out.

The proposed amendments update the host organization name to Connect Macomb, allow another similar nonpartisan nonprofit to step in if Connect Macomb is unavailable, and modernize candidate notification methods. Russo said the goal is to ensure voters get timely, reliable information before ballots are in their hands.

Council members discussed whether to set a specific weekday or allow administrative flexibility. City legal staff said prescribing a set week reduces scheduling disputes and clarifies expectations for candidates. The council voted to approve the amendment.