IPR's Election Notebook is a weekly roundup of voting information and local events, ahead of the Nov. 5 election. Have something we should know about? Send us an email at ipr@interlochen.org.
This week, let's take a look at how you can vote.
This year, it is easier to vote early, and it's easier to vote absentee.
The changes come from a Michigan state constitutional amendment, approved by voters back in 2022, which went into effect this year.
When does early voting happen?
Saturday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 3: Early voting runs for a minimum of nine full days until the Sunday before Election Day. This means you can even vote on the weekend, instead of trying to find time on Tuesday, Nov. 5, like we've had to in past elections. Some communities may offer early voting before Saturday, Oct. 26 but most start on that date.
The hours and location for early voting might be different than your normal election day polling site. You can find early voting information by plugging your address into the Michigan Department of State's voter information page.
What changed with absentee voting?
Lawmakers simplified the absentee registration process, and required the state to fund ballot stamps and drop boxes in every city and township. That's made it easier to vote absentee.
How do I register to vote in person?
With a Michigan driver's license, you can register online or mail in your registration form until 15 days prior to Election Day — that is, until Oct. 21.
Without a Michigan driver's license, or after Oct. 21, you can register at your local clerk’s office up to and including on Election Day.
Can I still mail in an absentee ballot?
Yes, there's still time. You can request an absentee ballot at your city or township clerk’s office, or do so online if you have a Michigan driver's license, up to 15 days before the election. Your election clerk must receive your ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Monday's TCAPS debate: School board elections
There are six candidates for three open seats on the board of Traverse City Area Public Schools, or TCAPS.
Candidates Josey Ballenger, Scott Newman-Bale, and Ty Schmidt participated in Monday night's debate.
According to the Record Eagle, candidates discussed funding for student mental health services, anti-bullying programs, and addressing the shortage of school social workers.
The full event recording is also available online from Traverse Area Community Media.
And on the calendar...
There’s a community conversation about Traverse City’s TIF policies and ballot measures from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 10 at Kirkbride Hall in at Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City. We unpacked the TIF proposals a couple weeks ago.
In Elk Rapids, the current Village Council President Karen Simpson is holding a rally for her re-election from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Short's Brewing.
If you're looking for something beyond the candidates and proposals on your ballots, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct.13 a Traverse City-based organization called Undivided will be leading a civic engagement training. They hope to move past the polarization of election season and focus on “developing the skills to bring people together for civic engagement initiatives that matter to your community.” It will be hosted at Central Church.
Last but not least, there’s a meet-and-greet with Peninsula Township trustee Sheila Johnson, who’s running for re-election, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday at Old Mission Distilling.
What about the rest of the state?
There have been many presidential and vice presidential candidate visits to Michigan this fall. Reporters at Michigan Public put together an interactive map showing where the candidates have been.
That’s all for this week.
If there are any races or local issues you want us to cover before election day, send us an email at ipr@interlochen.org.
Ty Schmidt, who is running for a TCAPS board seat, is a member of IPR’s Community Advisory Council. The council has no editorial control over stories.