JANUARY 7, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land reminds residents that Michigan's presidential primary election is Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Communities in 43 counties also are holding special elections on Jan. 15, which replaces the regular February election for this year only. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"I encourage you to go to the polls on Election Day," said Land, the state's chief election officer. "Not only will you have the opportunity to vote on presidential candidates, but you may also have the opportunity to affect your community through local ballot issues. Please take the time to vote."

This election, like all elections, is open to all registered voters. Voters do not need to be a registered member of a political party in order to cast a ballot. However, this presidential primary is called a ‘closed primary.' When they arrive at the polls and fill out their application to vote, voters are required to indicate which party's primary they wish to vote in and they will receive a ballot for that party. That ballot will also contain any special election issues. Voters who wish only to vote in the special election may request a ballot that does not include presidential candidates.

Voters are again 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.

Voters who don't have a Michigan driver's license or identification card can show one of 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.

Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID or is not carrying one can still vote. They will sign a brief form stating that they're not in possession of photo ID. Their ballots will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.

Land has worked with local officials to make it easier for voters with disabilities to cast ballots. For example, many communities have enhanced polling place access with help from the state under the "Improving Access for All" program. AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminals also are available at polling places. The terminals allow voters with disabilities to cast votes independently.

For more information, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote. Residents can find information on voting by absentee ballot, Michigan's voter identification requirement, using voting equipment and contacting their local clerk. They will also find a map to their polling place.

Additional information is available on the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Related Link:
> Special Elections by County