JULY 30, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land estimates that 1.4 million voters will cast ballots in the Aug. 5 primary. Over 7.2 million Michigan residents are registered to vote.

"I encourage all residents to cast ballots in this important election," said Land, Michigan's chief election officer. "The choices made in this election will impact the choices available in the November general election, and may even decide some races in which all candidates belong to the same political party."

The estimate is based on past primary turnouts in presidential election years, absent voter activity, information from local officials and the number of races on the ballot.

Land reminds voters that since this is a primary election, ballots must be cast under one political party. Casting votes in a partisan primary for both Republican and Democratic candidates invalidates the partisan section of the primary ballot. Nonpartisan offices and proposals will appear after the partisan section of the ballot.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will be busiest before and after work. Residents are reminded that avoiding peak times may help them vote more quickly.

Voters who are eligible should note the absentee ballot option. Registered voters may obtain an absentee ballot if they are:

• age 60 or older
• unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another person
• expecting to be out of town on Election Day
• in jail awaiting arraignment or trial
• unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons
• appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of their precinct of residence.

Voters who need to have their absentee ballot mailed to them must apply for the ballot no later than 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4. Voters who request an absentee ballot in person on Monday, Aug. 4 must vote the ballot in the clerk's office. Emergency absentee ballots are available under certain conditions through 4 p.m. on the date of the election.

Residents are reminded of the voter 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 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 failed to bring it with them to the polls 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.

The Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote is a convenient resource for all residents. You can view a sample ballot prior to going to the polls. You will also find a map to your polling place, information on contacting your local clerk, and details on equipment, among other options.

All polling places will have equipment that is specially designed for voters with disabilities. The AutoMARK device allows voters to mark their ballots privately and without assistance. Any voter is welcome to use the AutoMARK upon request.

Additional election information can be found at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

RELATED LINKS
> Back to News & Headlines
> Federal Identification Requirement
> What you need to know about absentee voting
> Michigan.gov/vote (to see if you're registered to vote, view your ballot, find your clerk, and more)