In an effort to cut through confusion and give readers the facts they need before entering a voting booth, Watershed Voice is answering questions about the Tuesday, August 6 primary election.
What’s Going On?
Michigan is holding its primary election. This is different from the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries, which were held in February as a precursor to the Tuesday, November 5 presidential election.
On Tuesday, August 6, St. Joseph County voters will elect officials including their drain commissioner, prosecuting attorney, and sheriff. The August ballot also includes races where the winning candidate will face an opponent from the opposite political party in November before a final winner is elected. These include Michigan’s U.S. Senate and House of Representatives races, plus the Michigan state House of Representatives District 36 race.
When Can I Vote?
Voters have the option of voting in person at their polling location between 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Election Day, voting in person at an early voting site during various hours now through Sunday, August 4, or voting by absentee ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
“Online and mail requests for an absentee ballot must be received by your township or city clerk no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election,” according to the Michigan Department of State. “If you’re already registered at your current address, you can request an absent voter ballot in-person at your clerk’s office anytime up to 4 p.m. on the day prior to the election.”
Because the primary election is now less than two weeks away, the Michigan Department of State advises absentee ballot voters to hand-deliver their ballots to their city or township clerk’s office or secure drop box. The deadline to do so is 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 6.
Where And When Can I Vote?
Early voting is available at the St. Joseph County Training Facility, 602 E. Main St., Centreville. As of Wednesday, July 31, it is available on the following dates:
Wednesday, July 31, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday, August 1, and Friday, August 2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, August 4, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Voting in person on Election Day is available from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 6. Here’s where you can find out your exact voting location.
How Do I Register To Vote?
Because it is less than two weeks before Election Day, anyone wanting to register to vote should do so in-person rather than online. The deadline is 8 p.m. on Election Day. The Michigan Department of State explains the process:
Find your local city or township clerk.
You’ll need to bring your proof of eligibility and residency.
To be eligible to register to vote you must be:
- A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)
- A United States citizen
- At least 18 years of age (when you vote)
- Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison
Proof of residency:
You must show proof of where you live. Documents must have your name and current address. You can show a digital copy of documents. Acceptable documents include:
- Michigan driver’s license or state ID
- Current utility bill
- Bank statement
- Paycheck or government check
- Other government document
Do I Need ID To Vote?
“Voters are not required to possess a photo ID to vote in Michigan,” according to the Michigan Department of State. “Voters without a photo ID may sign an affidavit and will be issued a ballot.”
The Michigan Department of State has more information about voter ID.
Well, here we are. Hopefully this has answered your questions about voting in Michigan’s August primary election. Watershed Voice will have coverage of Tuesday’s election results.
Frank Stanko is a staff writer with Watershed Voice.
