APRIL 28, 2009

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land encourages residents to vote in local elections Tuesday, May 5.  

"Elections have a significant impact on your community and the schools your children attend," said Land, Michigan's chief elections officer.  "Voting is your opportunity to make your voice heard. Please take the time to cast a ballot."

All 83 Michigan counties will have elections. Seven are holding countywide elections, while there will be votes in 26 cities and 53 townships and villages. Residents will also cast ballots for hundreds of school districts, nine community colleges and seven libraries.

Residents can visit the Secretary of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos or check with their county clerk's office to find out if there is an election in their community.  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, May 2.  Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, May 4.  Voters who request an absentee ballot in person on Monday, May 4 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 can be found at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Related Link
> Elections on May 5, 2009 by County PDF