Michiganders head to the polls today for a primary election that will decide the party nominees for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and other races.
A variety of local questions are on the ballot, too, like a consequential millage in Benzie County and a vote in Fife Lake about whether to dissolve the village altogether.
You want to cast a ballot but have some questions about the process. We're here to help.
When can I vote?
In Michigan, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and you can still cast a ballot as long as you're in line by the time polls close.
Is it too late to register to vote?
No, but you'll need to go to your local clerk's office to make that happen. They'll register you and let you fill out an absentee ballot. Find out if you're already registered.
Where do I vote?
Polling places are usually at township halls or other civic buildings. You can find out exactly where to vote by putting your address in here.
Do I need a photo ID?
No. It will make things go faster if you do, but in Michigan you have the right to vote without a photo ID, as long as you sign a form called an affidavit.
What's on my ballot?
All Michiganders are being asked to decide on races for governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House. Other parts of your ballot may vary depending on where you live. You can see sample ballots here.
Can I vote for both Democrats and Republicans?
No. Not in this election. In a primary, the ballot has a partisan section that's divided into two columns — one for Democrats, one for Republicans. You can only vote on one side.
Your will be rejected if you vote for, say, a Democratic nominee for governor and a Republican nominee for U.S. House.
If there are local issues on the ballot — like a millage vote, for example — it will appear in a nonpartisan section. Anyone can vote there. So:
✅ Yes, you can vote in both the Democratic column and the nonpartisan section.
✅ Yes, you can vote in both the Republican column and the nonpartisan section.
❌ No, you cannot vote in the Democratic and Republican columns together.
Wait, what? Why?
A primary is different than a general election. The idea is to nominate candidates you want to represent the party you've chosen. So voters are asked not to cross party lines.
All your votes in the partisan section of the ballot must be for one party or your ballot will be rejected.
When November rolls around, if you want to vote for a Republican in one office and a Democrat in another, have at it. That's totally fair. But not until November.
Are elections safe and secure?
Elections in the United States have historically been safe and secure. There's no evidence to support claims of widespread voter fraud (where ineligible people vote). It happens, but very rarely.
Despite claims by some elected leaders, there's also no evidence that shows widespread fraudulent or incorrect vote counting.
I heard some people had their voter registrations canceled.
Earlier this spring, we reported that some voters in Antrim County had their registrations canceled, but the Michigan Bureau of Elections was working to restore the cancelations that were incorrectly made.
If you get to a polling place and aren't allowed to vote, talk to the poll worker who will advise you of your options. Michigan allows same-day voter registration, but you might have to go somewhere else (usually nearby) to do it.
Do I get a sticker if I vote in person?
We sure hope so. Stickers are cool.
Tune into IPR News on Wednesday morning to hear more about the returns from this year's Michigan primary election, including the outcomes of some local races.
