LANSING – Residents have until Jan. 30 in Michigan to register for the Feb. 28 presidential primary, during which polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Applicants must be at least 18 years by Election Day and be U.S. citizens as well as residents of Michigan. Voters may register by mail, at their county, city or township clerk’s office or by visiting any Secretary of State office. The mail-in form is available at www.Michigan.gov/elections.

Those who wish to receive their absentee ballot by mail must submit their application by 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person at a SOS office anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27. Michigan does not require voters to register as a member or supporter of a political party, so voters can choose to participate in either the Democratic or Republican party primary. By state law, this is called a ‘closed primary.’ When voters request to vote, they must indicate in which party’s primary they wish to vote. They will then receive a ballot listing candidates for that party. The Aug. 7 primary is an open election, however. Additional election information can be found at www.Michigan.gov/elections.