by: WOODTV.com staff
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Voters in Michigan will cast their votes on Tuesday, and the ballot includes primaries for several state House and U.S. congressional offices, as well as more local elections.
Because August 4 is a primary, you’re choosing the candidates your party will put forth in the November general election. That means you can only vote on one side of the ticket; if you vote in both Republican and Democratic primaries, your ballot will be rejected.
Clerks advise your ballot must be returned to your local clerk’s office by election day. if you’re voting absentee, If it arrives later,it won’t be counted. If you haven’t already mailed your ballot, the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office recommends taking it yourself to your clerk’s drop box. The Grand Rapid City Clerk’s Office says it checks its drop box for the final time at 8 p.m. Tuesday, when polls close. Any ballots received after that won’t be counted.
Clerks say if you got an absentee ballot but filled it out incorrectly, take it to your clerk’s office to get a new one. If you applied for an absentee ballot but didn’t get one, contact your clerk. Clerk’s offices are required to be open at least eight hours this weekend — contact yours to find out its schedule.
If you vote in person. Go to Michigan.gov/vote to confirm your polling place — some have moved because they were previously in high-risk locations, like senior living facilities. The Secretary of State’s Office, which facilitates elections, says it has provided all municipalities with personal protective equipment like cleaning supplies, gloves and masks. Voters are encouraged to wear a mask, though they are not required to do so.
The Secretary of State's office reminds if you haven’t yet registered to vote, you can still do so in person at your clerk’s office. You may also register and vote on election day — though it’s a good idea to do it early to help prevent and avoid lines, which some cities saw during the March election.
This election has over 400 races around West Michigan. Here are several that News 8 will be keeping a close eye on.
See the races profiled here: WOODTV.COM