FEBRUARY 17, 2009

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land encourages residents to cast ballots in local elections Tuesday, Feb. 24.

"School districts are asking for votes on bond issues and townships are proposing millages for fire protection and other needs," said Land, Michigan's chief elections officer. "These issues could affect your community for several years. I often say your vote is your voice. If your community is holding an election, please take the time to cast your ballot."

There will be elections in 19 counties. Within those counties, 16 school districts, three cities, four townships and one village are conducting elections. There also are two countywide elections. Detroit is among the cities holding elections. Its voters will narrow the field of mayoral candidates.

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 direct them to their polling location. 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, Feb. 21. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23. Voters who request an absentee ballot in person on Monday, Feb. 23 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.

Voters are reminded of the identification requirement. They will be asked to present photo ID at the polls, 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 can be found at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

RELATED LINK
> Communities holding elections on February 24