SEPTEMBER 4, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that villages and cities in 43 Michigan counties will have elections Sept. 11.

"While this date falls outside Michigan's consolidated elections schedule, villages and cities have some flexibility in setting elections," said Land, Michigan's chief election officer. "I encourage voters to go to the polls and make their voices heard. You have the opportunity to affect your community, and as always, your vote is your voice."

Michigan's consolidated election dates are in February, May, August and November. The majority of Michigan's villages elect their officials in conjunction with the even-numbered year November general election because village primary elections have been abolished. However, a special option permits them to hold elections on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in September in odd-numbered years.

"A number of cities and villages have decided to hold their elections on one of the consolidated election dates in order to increase participation and save taxpayer dollars," said Land. "I applaud those communities that have taken advantage of this opportunity."

Cities that have always held a September primary were permitted to continue to do so. For example, the city of Rochester Hills in Oakland County and the cities of Lincoln Park, Highland Park and Livonia in Wayne County will hold primaries on Sept. 11.

To find out if there is an election in their community, or for additional information, 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.

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