Here’s a heads up on something that might have slid completely by your personal radar. Next Tuesday is Election Day in 65 of Michigan’s 83 counties, including some communities in each of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties. If you missed that news and haven’t registered to vote, new rules allow you to do so even on Election Day itself.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is reminding voters of new rights ahead of next Tuesday’s, May 7th, election and encouraging Michiganders to take advantage of new voting opportunities thanks to the passage of Proposal 3 last November.
Benson says, “The May 7th election will be the first time Michigan citizens can take advantage of the sweeping new voting rights instilled in our constitution as a result of the Promote the Vote constitutional amendment enacted last fall,” and notes, “Now any citizen can vote by mail at their convenience and register to vote up to and on Election Day at their local clerk’s office. It’s a new day for Michigan’s democracy.”
As noted, of Michigan’s 83 counties, 65 will hold elections next Tuesday, May 7th. To find out if your community is holding an election anywhere in the state, you can visit Michigan.gov/Vote. Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 am to 8 pm.
Individuals may register to vote up until 8 pm on Election Day. If you aren’t registered, or need to update your address, you may do so by appearing in person at your city or township clerk’s office and providing proof of residency.
To register to vote, applicants must be at least 18 years old by Election Day and U.S. citizens. Applicants also must be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register for at least 30 days before Election Day.
All eligible and registered voters in Michigan may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason and vote early. Drop off your ballot application in person at your township or city clerk’s office no later than 4 pm on Monday, May 6th, and you will be given an absentee ballot that you can vote in the office.
You also can mail the ballot application. Requests to have a ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 5 pm this Friday, May 3rd. If you get your absentee ballot by mail, you can return it by mail or in person, but it must be received by your city or township clerk by 8 pm on Tuesday, May 7th, (Election Day) to count. Keep in mind that USPS mail delivery standards indicate most mail can take up to a week to arrive – so delivering ballot requests and voted ballots is best done in person at this point. Get an absentee ballot application at Michigan.gov/Vote.
For those communities holding an election Tuesday, May 7th, city and township clerks’ offices will be open this weekend to assist voters with registering to vote and voting absentee early. Office hours vary by community, so check information for your city or township clerk online at Michigan.gov/Vote or contact your local clerk’s office directly.
For more information, download the New Rights for Michigan Voters flyer at Michigan.gov/Elections.
To check your registration status, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at Michigan.gov/Vote. You can view a sample ballot and find your polling place. You also can find information about how to use voting equipment and how to contact your local clerk.
In Berrien County there are three issues on the ballot next Tuesday. The St. Joseph Public Schools are seeking renewal of an 18-mill operating millage for five years. In Royalton Township, two issues are on the ballot. The community is seeking renewal of 1-mill for 7-years for Fire, Ambulance and Library services, while a new levy appears on the ballot as well, seeking 1/8th of a mill for five years for the purchase of fire equipment.
In Cass County, Edwardsburg Public Schools are seeking renewal of an 18-mill operating millage, and the community of Edwardsburg is seeking a new 20-year, 2-mill levy for street repairs and maintenance. Meanwhile, Jefferson Township will seek 1-mill for 2-years for road issues, and in both Mason and Porter Townships, a $7.75 million bonding proposal for White Pigeon Community Schools would enact 1.09-mills for up to 5 years.
In Van Buren County, Lawton Community Schools have a $4.5-million bonding proposal before voters which would levy a half mill on property taxes. The community of Bangor will elect a Mayor and City Council Members as well as seeking voter approval of a half-mill for 5-years for the Bangor Historical Society.
