The August 4 Primary Election is fast approaching. There are many opportunities to register and vote in this election. If you haven't already voted, it's time to make a plan to vote. Here is a list of things to consider:
Clerks' offices must be open during normal business hours this week for registration and voting.
Clerks' offices must be open for eight hours this weekend (August 1-2) for registration and voting. In Dearborn, the hours are 7 am - 3 pm on Saturday.
Find out what's happening in Dearbornfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The last day for registered voters to vote absentee at the clerk's office is on Monday, August 3 at 4 pm. After that, if you do not have an absentee voter ballot, you must vote at your polling location on August 4.
Voters who need to register to vote or update their registration can do so at their clerk's office until 8 pm on Election Day.
Find out what's happening in Dearbornfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
When you are completing your absentee voter ballot, remember to only select candidates from one political party (this is a primary election), completely darken the oval opposite each choice with a black or blue pen, and do not vote for more candidates than indicated under each office title. Remember to sign the envelope with your official and legible signature. The lack of this signature is the second highest reason absentee voter ballots are not counted.
The most common reason for AV ballots not being counted is that they do not arrive at the clerk's office by 8 pm on Election Day. At this point, voters should avoid the mail and drop their ballot off at the drop box near respective city halls. In Dearborn, the drop box is located behind the Administrative Center, on the east side of the parking lot.
For voters who choose or need to vote in person, all polling sites in Dearborn are scheduled to be open on Election Day.
Voters with questions about the process should call the Dearborn City Clerk at 313-943-2021 or visit the City website. Voters can also visit the SOS website at www.mi.gov/vote.
Another great voter resource is www.michiganvoting.org which provides a downloadable brochure Know Your Rights.
Lastly, voters needing nonpartisan information about the candidates can visit the online voter guide www.VOTE411.org which is maintained by the League of Women Voters.
VOTE SAFE
Mary Jo Durivage, President
League of Women Voters Dearborn-Dearborn Heights