LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary election is approaching, and key deadlines are coming up for voters who need to register, request an absentee ballot or make a voting plan.
This year’s primary includes contested races for both governor and U.S. Senate, along with congressional, state legislative and local races.
“We have a really unique circumstance here in Michigan,” said Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope. “We have an open governor’s race as well as an open U.S. Senate seat.”
Michigan voters can cast a ballot three ways: absentee, early in-person or on Election Day. Voters do not need to be registered with a political party and can choose either party’s ballot when they vote.
Absentee voting
Absentee ballots became available June 25. Voters can request one online, by mail or at their local clerk’s office.
- July 31 at 5 p.m.: Deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail
- Aug. 3 at 4 p.m.: Deadline to request an absentee ballot in person
- Aug. 4 at 8 p.m.: Completed absentee ballots must be received by the clerk
Swope recommends requesting an absentee ballot even for voters who plan to cast their ballot in person.
“That way you’ve seen the ballot, you’ve done your research, you’ve made your decisions,” Swope said. “You can still have that in-person thing without having some surprises when you show up at the polling place.”
Early voting
Michigan requires at least nine days of early voting before every statewide election.
“We have at least nine days of early voting now, the two weekends before the election, as well as the week in between,” Swope said.
For the August primary, mandatory early voting runs July 25 through Aug. 2. Some communities offer additional days, and voters should check with their local clerk for locations and hours.
Voter registration
The deadline to register online or by mail is July 20.
Voters can still register in person at their city or township clerk’s office through Election Day, including same-day registration until 8 p.m. Aug. 4.
“Up until July 20, you can register to vote online,” Swope said. “There’s actually a new system in place, even people without a Michigan ID or driver’s license can do the online registration and submit a signature.”
Before you vote
Local proposals and races vary by community, so election officials recommend reviewing a sample ballot ahead of time.
“If you walk in and you don’t know those proposals are on the ballot, you’re going to be standing there reading for a while,” Swope said. “That’s why it’s so convenient to get your ballot at home and then cast it in whatever way you want.”
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Voters can check their registration, view a sample ballot, find their polling place, and request an absentee ballot at Michigan.gov/Vote.
