What should Michigan voters know about Election Day?

Continuing our efforts to cut through confusion and give readers the facts they need before entering a voting booth, Watershed Voice is answering questions about tomorrow’s general election.

What’s Going On?

The United States is holding its general election tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5. Ballots include national offices including the president, U.S. senator in states including Michigan, and U.S. representative in all states.

St. Joseph County voters will elect officials including their probate court judge, prosecuting attorney, sheriff, and more. Cities, townships, and villages may also have local board and commission elections. We have a full ballot recap, including links to the questionnaires some candidates submitted.

When Can I Vote?

Voters can either vote in person at their polling location between 7 a.m.-8 p.m. tomorrow, or by absentee ballot by 8 p.m. tomorrow.

“Eligible voters who are not currently registered to vote in Michigan, or who have not updated their registration with a current Michigan address, have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to visit their local clerk’s office to register to vote or update their registration address,” the Michigan Department of State says.

Voters may either request an absentee ballot and vote at their clerk’s office or go to their polling place to vote if time allows tomorrow. So long as an eligible, unregistered resident is in line at their clerk’s office by 8 p.m. tomorrow, they may register to vote and cast an absentee ballot.

Because the primary election is now less than a day 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. tomorrow.

Early voting in person was available from Saturday, October 26-Sunday, November 3.

Where And When Can I Vote?

Voting in person on Election Day is available from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. tomorrow. Here’s where you can find out your exact voting location.

How Do I Register to Vote?

Because it is less than a day before Election Day, anyone wanting to register to vote should do so in-person rather than online. The deadline is 8 p.m. tomorrow. 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 tomorrow’s general election. Watershed Voice will have coverage of the election results.

Frank Stanko is a staff writer with Watershed Voice.