Be Prepared for Statewide Primary Election Day Tuesday, Aug. 4

July 27, 2020 – ​The Statewide Primary Election is Tuesday, Aug. 4; and city polling places will be open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Registered voters in line by 8 p.m. will be eligible to vote. To locate your ward and/or polling place, go online to the Michigan Voter Information web page at www.michigan.gov/vote. Voters must show their photo ID to vote. Those who do not have an acceptable photo ID will be required to sign an affidavit in order to vote. All Ann Arbor polling places are accessible to persons with disabilities.

In the primary, voters choose one party and select the candidates from that one party that they want to advance to the General Election in November. Voters must vote in one party section only, otherwise they will “split their ticket,” and their ballot will be rejected.​

Voter registration

  • Check your voter registration status, absentee ballot status and view sample ballots at the online Michigan voter information center: www.michigan.gov/vote.
  • Those who wish register to vote in the Statewide Primary can still do so in person at the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office with proof of residency. The city clerk’s office is on the second floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. On-street or lot parking is located on Ann Street, east of Fifth Avenue.
  • Voter registration may occur up until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Aug. 4.
  • Voters registering to vote within 14 days of an election will be required to provide proof of residency.
  • The Ann Arbor City Clerk’s Office will be open for in-person voter registration and absentee ballot requests on Saturday, Aug. 1, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. ​

Absentee votin​​​g

Why wait until Election Day to vote? And why wait in line at your polling place to vote on Election Day? Vote safely from home, at your convenience, instead. Absentee ballots are now available to all voters, with no reason required. Here’s how to vote absentee:

  • Voters must first turn in an application for an absentee ballot; applications will be accepted in person at the city clerk’s office until 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3.
  • The application can be found online at www.michigan.gov/documents/sos/AVApp_535884_7.pdf. Print the application and fill it out, then bring it to the city clerk’s office.
  • Once completed, all absentee ballots must be returned to the city clerk’s office or dropped off in the locked ballot boxes in the Larcom City Hall lobby by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
  • Watch “How to Vote Absentee” on CTN for a quick overview: https://youtu.be/6gaKy​6VcEW0.
  • More information can be found on the city’s “voting” web page at www.a2gov.org/departments/city-clerk/Elections/Pages/Voting.aspx.​

​​​​​Elec​​tion Day line tracker

Voters who choose not to vote absentee can check the number of people waiting in line at their city polling places and view estimated wait times before they head to the polls. Line counts and projected wait times will be reported in real time by the election inspectors at each polling place. Find the Election Day line tracker at www.a2gov.org/departments/city-clerk/Elections/Pages/Line-Tracker.aspx. The line tracker also includes images of each polling place as well as links to maps and directions.

I vo​ted!

Just like voters at polling places can show their participation with an “I voted” sticker, absentee voters also have a way to proudly display their civic pride. “I voted, #A2Votes” digital badges can be found on the city website on Election Day to upload to their social media account(s). Digital badges are available not only in English, but also several of the other languages spoken in the Ann Arbor community. Go to www.a2gov.org/elections and select on the “A2 votes” tab. Be sure to use #A2Votes when posting! New “I Voted” sticker and badge designs will be unveiled at the November election.

Voters looking for the perfect backdrop to snap a selfie to showcase their participation will also find special “I voted, #A2Votes” posters featured at polling places. ​

Temp​orary polling-location change

A comprehensive list of polling places can be found at www.a2gov.org/elections. Please note the following change in effect for the Aug. 4 primary:

  • Ward 3, Precincts 6 and 9 (3-6 and 3-9), are temporarily relocated from Scarlett Middle School to Mitchell Elementary School, 3550 Pittsview Drive, due to building construction. Signage will be posted at Scarlett Middle School directing voters across the parking lot to Mitchell Elementary School.  ​

Election Day safety​ information

Voters who vote in person on Election Day are encouraged to wear masks. In accordance with the State of Michigan Executive Order, all other persons, including election inspectors, will be required to wear masks at polling places on Election Day. Physical distancing and other protective measures will be in place to ensure all voters can safely cast their votes.

Additional information can be found on the city’s elections website, www.a2gov.org/elections; and questions about elections in Ann Arbor may be directed to the city clerk’s office at 734.794.6140, cityclerk@a2gov.org.

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