Michigan Primary Election Tuesday, Aug. 7
By Sheri L. Stuart, Staff Writer
Voters will go to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 7 to narrow the field of candidates running for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the Michigan Senate and House, Michigan governor and local elected offices, including judicial races. Genesee County voters will also decide on various millage proposals, including a mass transportation authority millage renewal; an arts education and cultural enrichment millage; and a millage renewal for Michigan State University extension services. Michigan voters can view a sample ballot online at the Secretary of State’s website – https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/MVIC/SelectPublicBallot.aspx.
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Polls open in Michigan at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. If you are standing in line at 8 p.m., you will be permitted to vote.
To vote in Michigan, you must be a U.S. citizen; a state resident; 18-years-old by election day; and not confined to jail after being convicted.
“We want as many people voting as there are eligible voters,” said Genesee County Clerk John Gleason. “That includes ex-offenders. Unfortunately, many people don’t know their rights,” he said.
In Michigan, residents confined in jail or prison who are awaiting arraignment or trial are eligible to vote. However, residents who are serving a sentence in jail or prison after conviction cannot vote. This includes individuals convicted and incarcerated for a felony. When residents are released from jail or prison after serving a sentence, they are free to participate in elections without restriction. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Gleason said he believes intimidation tactics keep many otherwise eligible residents from voting, especially young, black males.
“On election day you may see men dressed in suits and standing outside polling precincts. They appear to be onsite for official business such as law enforcement, but they’re simply young college kids hired for this purpose.”
Gleason said that’s a tactic often used in many urban areas to frighten certain voters away from the polls.
“I’m the grandson of immigrants. I want to see every eligible person participate in our political process,” he said.
