LANSING—All
eligible voters are encouraged to cast their ballots in local elections on Tuesday,
Aug. 4. According to Secretary of State Ruth Johnson 46 counties in Michigan
are holding elections.

“Because
many of these elections are for schools, townships and cities, everyone’s vote
is essential,” Johnson said. “I encourage all eligible residents to take a few
minutes to cast a ballot on Election Day and make an impact on their
community.”

The polls
will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To find out if there is an
election in your community and to view your sample ballot, visit the Michigan
Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote.

There is
still time for voters to obtain an absentee ballot. As a registered voter, you
may obtain an absentee ballot if you are:

•    age 60 or older.

•    physically unable to attend the polls
without the assistance of another.

•   
expecting
to be out of town on Election Day.

•    in jail awaiting arraignment or trial.

•    unable to attend the polls due to
religious reasons.

•    appointed to work as an election
inspector in a precinct outside your own

Those who wish to receive their absentee ballot by mail must submit their application by 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3. 

Voters must
fulfill identification requirements under Michigan law. They will be asked to
present valid photo ID at the polls, such as a Michigan driver’s license or
identification card. Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID or
failed to bring it with them may still vote. They will sign a brief affidavit
stating that they’re not in possession of a photo ID. Their ballots will be
included with all others and counted on Election Day.