SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

Certain villages, cities to conduct elections on Sept. 15

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that villages and cities in 40 Michigan counties will have elections Sept. 15.

"Each and every election gives voters the opportunity to directly affect their communities," said Land, Michigan's chief election officer. "This is as true in villages as it is in larger municipalities. I encourage voters to go to the polls and make their voices heard."

There are 258 villages in Michigan, of which 65 percent elect their officials in conjunction with the even-numbered year November general election. Approximately 90 villages exercise a special option that permits them to hold elections on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in September in odd-numbered years.

Of 275 cities in Michigan, 10 cities with a charter directing the conduct of an odd-numbered year September primary have not exercised the option to move to an August primary.

"In these tight budget times, I strongly encourage cities and villages holding their elections in September to consider changing them to the even-numbered year November election," said Land. "It's more convenient for the voter and saves cities and villages taxpayer dollars."

To find out if there is an election in their community, voters can visit the Secretary of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos or check with their county clerk's office. In addition, the Michigan Voter Information Center can help residents determine whether they're registered to vote and find their polling locations. The Web site is www.Michigan.gov/vote.

Voters who need to have their absentee ballot mailed to them must apply for the ballot no later than 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14. Voters who request an absentee ballot in person on Monday, Sept. 14 must vote in the clerk's office. Emergency absentee ballots are available under certain conditions through 4 p.m. on the date of the election.

All voters who attend the polls must comply with Michigan's voter identification requirement. They will be asked to present photo ID, such as a Michigan driver's license or identification card. Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID or failed to bring it with them can still vote. They will sign a brief affidavit stating that they're not in possession of a photo ID. Their ballots will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.

Voters who don't have a Michigan driver's license or identification card can show the following forms of photo ID as long as they are current:

• Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state
• Federal or state government-issued photo identification
• U.S. passport
• Military identification card with photo
• Student identification with photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education, such as a college or university
• Tribal identification card with photo.

A specially equipped voting station called the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal is also available at each polling location for use by voters with disabilities.

Additional election information, including a list of communities holding elections on Sept. 15, can be found at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Related Links
> List of communities holding elections on Sept. 15