Things You Need To Know About Voting in The Primary

The Michigan primary is Tuesday, August 4 and there are some things you should know if you are heading to the polls.

I recently voted absentee for the first time so I didn't have to go to the polls and found it is really easy to vote that way but being August 3, you may have waited to long to vote that way since it has to arrive no latter than the day of the election.

There was something on the absentee ballot that I noticed and didn't like and it has also carried over to the polls, you are not allowed to split your ticket. Now, I get not being able to vote for the same position with both parties but I'm an independent voter and sometimes I vote for a few democrats and a few republicans and the new ballots only let you vote straight ticket. This is a rule that needs to get changed back.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that you don't have to wear a mask to vote, but it is highly recommended that you do since masks are required in indoor spaces across the state.

I like not having to worry about when the polls open since I have opted to vote absentee in all further elections but for those who plan on heading to the polls the hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Many younger people will be voting this year but many have yet to register so if you are going to register you better hurry because you have until 8 p.m. to visit your local clerk to get registered plus vote.

Something that I noticed in the last primary was that you no longer need your voter registration card to vote, just your ID. Yep, show them your Michigan drivers license or Michigan ID card and you are good to go. I went to the wrong polling center last year, they checked my drivers license and knew right where to send me.

According to FOX 17, if you don't have a photo ID or simply forgot to bring it with you, there is a way you can still vote. Someone at the poll will have you sign an affidavit stating you are not in possession of a photo ID. This is one I think they need to revisit, in my opinion you should only be allowed to vote if you have a photo ID, I just don't buy the excuse, I forgot it at home. You vote near your home anyway, can't they be sent back to go get their ID?

I do like that if there are problems at your voting location, you can actually reach out to someone and let them know. Now I don't know how much can be done the day of voting but at least you can contact the Michigan Bureau of Elections at 517.373.2540.

I couldn't find a number to call to complain about gerrymandering but if you feel that is problem, try the number above and maybe that will work or you will get directed to the direct number.