Why do I have to show a picture/photo ID when I vote, and what happens if I don't have one?
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled on July 18, 2007 that a provision of Michigan election law which requires voters to either present picture/photo identification or sign an affidavit if they do not have picture/photo identification with them is constitutional and enforceable. While this requirement was originally enacted by the State Legislature in 1996, the requirement was never implemented due to a prior ruling issued through the Attorney General's office.
So.... as a result, beginning with the November 6, 2007 election, every voter is required to show a picture/photo ID in order to receive a ballot OR if the voter does not have a picture/photo ID, he or she must sign an affidavit stating the "I am not in possession of a driver's license, a state-issued personal identification card or any other acceptable form of picture/photo identification and wish to vote." Election inspectors ARE REQUIRED to follow the requirement of this law even though they recognize and know the voters.
This law was originally passed in 1996 and applies throughout the State of Michigan. Part of the reason that this law was passed is was to improve the integrity of the voting process and to prevent fraudulent voting practices.
How can I satisfy the picture/photo ID requirement?
Voters can satisfy the picture/photo identification requirement by showing a Michigan driver's license or a Michigan personal identification card.
Voters who do not possess either document may show any of the following forms of picture/photo identification as long as they are current:
- Driver's license or personal ID card issued by another state.
- State or Federal government issued photo ID
- U.S. Passport
- Military ID card with photo
- Student ID with photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education.
- Tribal ID card with photo
Voters who do not bring picture/photo ID to the polls or do not possess picture/photo identification will be required to sign an affidavit before receiving a ballot.
Voters who request an absentee ballot do not have to provide picture/photo identification.
Please help our election inspectors implement this new election law by having your picture/photo ID ready when you fill out the application to vote.
What is the difference between a primary and a general election?
In a primary, the members of each party nominate candidates of their party for the general election. Voters may vote for candidates in one party only.
In a general election, all voters elect officials from the party nominees and independent candidates. Voters may vote for candidates in more than one party.
How do I establish which party’s ballot I am entitled to vote in the primary election?
Under Michigan law, you do not have to make a choice until you enter the voting station.
You may vote the ballot of any political party, but vote for candidates of one political party only. If you vote in more than one partisan section of the ballot in the primary, the partisan portion of the ballot will be rejected. In a general election, you may vote for candidates in more than one party.
When I vote, will I spoil my ballot if I fail to vote for one segment of the ballot?
No. You could receive a ballot with numerous candidates and proposals for consideration, and vote for just one person of one office. Your single vote for that candidate will count. Further, when you are given a choice of voting for "not more than four" candidates for a certain office, you don’t have to vote for four. You could withhold your vote for some, and vote for some (or none).
Other questions? Please feel free to call Clerk, Joanne Kelley, at 845-1277 or send an email to joanne@pmtwp.org.