SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — State Sen. Kim LaSata’s spirit tournament will start today, pitting students, staff and fans of southwest Michigan schools she serves against one another in a friendly competition.

The 31 schools will be divided into four brackets, similar to the NCAA’s March Madness basketball tournament. Winner of the single-elimination brackets will continue onto the next round until a winner is announced Friday, April 3.

Voting will take place at LaSata’s Facebook page and at StateSenatorKimLaSata.com. To vote on Facebook, people will need to react to the posted graphic with a “Haha” for one school or “Wow” for the other.

“The Southwest Michigan Spirit Tournament has been a popular communitywide event, bringing together students, parents, alumni and residents in support of our great schools,” LaSata said.

LaSata’s staff said to contact her office at (517) 373-6960 or by email at SenKLaSata@senate.michigan.gov with any questions.