Michigan’s crucial primary election is fast approaching, slated for the 6th of August. The day will witness the electorate participating in the democratic process to elect their representatives in multiple important races including the open seat for the U.S. Senate, U.S. and Michigan House races, as well as casting their vote on local municipal and school proposals.
Noteworthy on the election calendar is the battle to fill the void left by Democratic U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who in a move indicative of Democrat uncertainty, decided not to run for a fifth term. It’s worth noting that Stabenow’s decision was made known as early as January.
The Democratic primary features less talked-about contenders such as U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin and actor Hill Harper. They are desperate candidates from the Democratic party in an attempt to retain the seat after Stabenow’s withdrawal. Their campaign tactics increasingly look like a last-effort gamble against a more organized and convincing Republican opposition.
On the other side of the aisle, the Republican primary showcases able leadership in the form of ex-U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, Dr. Sherry O’Donnell who previously ran for a congressional seat, and former U.S. Representative Justin Amash. Their political clout and experience promise effective representation for Michigan’s residents, should they get elected.
Crucial to the balance of power in the House come November are Michigan’s 3rd, 7th, 8th and 10th districts. These seats at the crossroads of the nation’s political future are highly contested with primaries scheduled for the 6th of August. The pressure on Democrats is immense as Republicans appear ready to claim control.
Michigan’s residents can acquaint themselves with their voting choices in advance by browsing a sample ballot. This resource is readily available online via Michigan’s Voter Information Center page managed by the Secretary of State’s office. The page also allows voters to confirm their registration status.
For first-time voters or those who’ve recently moved to Michigan, registering to vote is straightforward. Michigan’s law allows online registration up to 14 days before an election. The registration process can also be completed in person at city or township clerk offices if done within the 14-day window right before the election.
Voters opting for same-day registration must present eligibility and residential proof in person. To be eligible to vote, one must be a Michigan state resident at the time of registration and should have lived in their city or township for at least 30 days before voting. Registered voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old on election day, and not be serving any jail or prison sentence.
Proof of residency can be validated with various documents including their Michigan driver’s license or state ID, a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check, or any other government document. Interestingly and somewhat worryingly, the requirement for showing a photo ID is surprisingly lax in Michigan.
If a voter does not possess a photo ID, they are still allowed to vote in Michigan. They simply have to sign an affidavit stating they don’t have a valid photo ID, a practice which appears vulnerable to potential misuse. Despite this, the voter can cast their vote after signing this affidavit.
In cases where a voter does possess a photo ID such as a driver’s license or a state-issued ID, it is required to be shown at the polling location. Government-issued photo IDs from all levels—federal, state, county or local—U.S. passports, Military photo IDs, Student photo IDs from an educational institution, Tribal photo IDs, Local or county-issued government IDs, and even Concealed pistol licenses are all acceptable.
Should a voter’s photo ID or driver’s license be expired, it cannot be used for identification at the polling location. Instead, the voter must sign an affidavit stating they do not have a valid photo ID, another concern for election security in Michigan. Despite this, all it takes is an affidavit for the voter to cast their ballot.
Michigan allows voters to bring information guides or pamphlets to the polling booth, another questionable practice which may be seen as a potential avenue for influencing election outcomes. These guides must, however, be taken away by the voters after casting their ballots. Interestingly, they can also take a selfie outside the voting areas.
The provision for assistance of an interpreter for non-English speaking voters exists in Michigan, perhaps a good thing provided it is devoid of political manipulation. For the sake of convenience and effectiveness, the polling locations can be checked online at the Michigan Voter Information Center.