JULY 31, 2006

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today urged registered voters to participate in Michigan’s primary election on Aug. 8, which begins "a new era of voting" in the state.

The election will mark two historic firsts. Voters from each of Michigan’s 5,216 precincts will be using an optical scan ballot system, in which they mark target areas on a standard ballot form and then feed it into an electronic tabulator.

Also for the first time, all polling places will have equipment available that is specially designed for voters with disabilities. The devices allow members of the disability community to mark an optical scan ballot in privacy and without assistance.

"With this primary election, a new era of voting begins in Michigan," said Land. "I encourage all registered voters not voting absentee to make the time to get to the polls on August 8. Your vote is your voice; let your voice be heard."

Qualified voters who wish to receive an absentee voter ballot for the primary election by mail must submit their application by 2 p.m. Aug. 5. Those electors qualified to obtain an absentee ballot for the primary may vote in person in the clerk’s office until 4 p.m. Aug. 7.

Land reminds residents that the online Michigan Voter Information Center is an excellent resource that can address many questions. The site at www.Michigan.gov/vote helps visitors determine whether they are registered to vote, assists them in finding their local election officials and polling places, and provides information on a wide range of election topics.

Turnout for the Aug. 8 primary election is projected at 1.35 million voters, or 19 percent of the 7,113,246 registered voters in Michigan, Land said. The estimate was determined by reviewing turnout in past primary elections in conjunction with absent voter activity and information provided by local officials.