Your Vote Counts: Presidential Primary primer

The Presidential Primary Election is coming up Tuesday, March 10. Any Michigan registered voter can participate in the primary. However, by law, voters must make their Presidential Primary ballot selection in writing by completing the application to vote on Election Day, or on the absent voter ballot application if voting absentee. There are three ballot options available: A Democratic Presidential Primary ballot, a Republican Presidential Primary ballot, or a ballot without Presidential Primary.

Here’s what else you need to know:

Are you registered to vote?

• Check your voter registration status, absentee ballot status and view sample ballots at the online Michigan voter information center.
• Those who wish register to vote in the Presidential Primary can still do so in person at the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office with proof of residency. Voter registration may occur up until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, March 10. The city clerk’s office will also be open for in-person voter registration and absentee ballot requests Saturday, March 7, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Will you be voting at your polling place?

• City polling places will be open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, March 10. Registered voters in line by 8 p.m. will be eligible to vote.
• Don’t forget to bring an acceptable photo ID. Without photo ID, voters will be required to sign an affidavit in order to vote.
• Use the city’s online, real-time line tracker to check the number of people waiting in line at city polling places and view estimated wait times before heading to the polls. The line tracker also includes images of each polling place as well as links to maps and directions.

Will you be voting absentee?

Absentee ballots are available to ALL voters, now with no reason required!

• The absentee ballot application (PDF) and more information can be found on the city’s “voting” web page.
• Applications for absentee ballots are being accepted in person at the city clerk’s office until 4 p.m. Monday, March 9.
• All absentee ballots must be returned to the city clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. The office is located on the second floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. On-street or lot parking is located off Ann Street, east of Fifth Avenue.

Whether you vote at your polling place or absentee, don’t forget to show your civic pride. Voters can pick up an “I voted” sticker if voting in person, and absentee voters can download an “I voted” digital badge, selecting from a variety of languages. Voters can also find selfie stations at polling places, including Larcom City Hall for those dropping off absentee ballots. Use the hashtag #A2Votes.

Also, due to the election and in anticipation of higher-than-average voter registration traffic, the city clerk’s office will only be providing voter registration and absentee ballot services on Monday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10. There will be no dog licensing, permit processing, etc. in person on these two days. There is a drop box at the front counter on the second floor, and the office will process any paperwork dropped off during these two days beginning when the office resumes all services at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 11.