Have you noticed all the campaign advertisements yet? What about all of the people with clipboards asking if you’re registered to vote? It must be election season again in Michigan.
Here’s a quick look at some important facts about voting this November:
- Am I eligible to vote in Michigan? In order to vote in the state of Michigan, you must be registered to vote by October 6th. You must be a Michigan resident, citizen of the United States, and 18 years old by November 4th.
- When’s the election? Voting will take place on November 4th between 7:00am and 8:00pm.
- What’s being decided? This year, Michiganders will be voting for their future Senator and Governor. Every member of the U.S. State House, Michigan State House and Michigan State Senate will be up for election. At a local level, Ann Arbor residents will be electing a new mayor and some city council members.
- I’m not sure if I’m registered or not…. No worries! The Michigan Secretary of State’s website has a handy tool to see if you’re registered or not. Find it here. (Keep in mind: if you registered recently, your name might not be on the list yet.)
- Absentee Ballots: What if I can’t make it to the polls?
- If you are a registered voter and expecting to be out of the town on Election Day, you can apply for an absentee ballot. (Applications are here.) Your application must be received by your local clerk’s office no later than 2:00 P.M. on the Saturday before the election.
- Find your clerk’s address here. Once you’ve received your absentee ballot, it must be completed and returned to your clerk by 8:00 P.M. on Election Day.
- Every absentee ballot is counted!
- Where do I vote? Click here to find out where you vote.
- What if I want to vote in my home state? Voting practices vary state by state. Research your state’s voting procedures and elections.
- What will my ballot look like? For Michigan voters, you can find out here.
- Can I take a selfie while in the polls? No! Cameras and recording equipment are not allowed unless you’re credentialed member of the news media.
Voting is a part of your civic duty, so do your homework and make an informed decision about who and what you’re voting for!
Contributed by Carson Smith