Michigan residents must register to vote by July 10 for August election

Michigan residents have until July 10 to register to vote in the August 8 election.

“Local elections affect the day-to-day workings of your community so I encourage you to register and then vote if your municipality has an election in August,” said Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, Michigan’s chief election officer. “Registering to vote is quick and easy, and provides you a voice in our government.”

This is the first election with new optical scan voting systems in 63 communities in 11 counties. Voters will still fill out a paper ballot.

By August 2018, all cities and townships statewide will use the optical scan voting systems.

The software will save local cities and towns money and time preparing for elections and providing results, Johnson said.

To register to vote, applicants must be at least 18 years old by Election Day and U.S. citizens.

Applicants also must be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register.

Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here to see which communities have elections.

Voters may register by mail or in person at their county, city or township clerk’s office or by visiting any Secretary of State office. The mail-in form is available at www.Michigan.gov/elections.

First-time voters who register by mail must vote in person in their first election, unless they hand-deliver the application to their local clerk, are 60 years old or older, are disabled or are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

To check their registration status, residents may visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote. They can see their sample ballot and find their polling place. Residents also can find information on absentee voting, Michigan’s voter identification requirement and how to contact their local clerk.

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