LANSING, MI – The South Washington Election Unit is open to Lansing City voters for early voting and voter registration for the August 2nd Primary Election. The winners of this election will move forward on the ballot for the general election. Additionally, seven proposals are on the ballot for at least part of the City.
Starting today, July 19th through Election Day, voter registration must be completed in-person at one’s local City or Township Clerk’s Office with proof of identity and residency. In fact, you can register and vote an absentee ballot all in one visit at either City Clerk location for Lansing City residents.
The most common error that occurs in these partisan primaries is when voters select candidates from both the Democratic and Republic primaries. “Voters need to stay in their lane,” said City Clerk Chris Swope, “if they cross party lines in this partisan primary only, those votes will not tally per Michigan Law. For the General Election in the fall, you have the option to select candidates of any or no political party.”
To make it easier for voters to vote early via the absentee ballot process, there are extended hours at the Election Unit. Located at 2500 S. Washington, the City Clerk’s Election Unit offers free parking, a 24-hour secure drop box, and is conveniently located on CATA Route #2. Just follow the “Vote Here” directional signs to the back of the building. Walk-in early voting is available now through Election Day during the following times:
Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Monday, August 1st Only 8:00 AM – *4:00 PM
(*due to state law)
In addition to regular hours, the City Clerk’s Election Unit will be open:
Saturday, July 30th 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday, July 31st Noon – 4:00 PM
Voters still have the option to vote at home. The quickest way to request your absentee ballot for August/November is to visit lansingvotes.com and complete the online application. You will need your State of Michigan Driver’s License or ID, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number to complete the application.
At lansingvotes.com, voters may also sign up online, download the form to request an absentee ballot, find the closest drop boxes, check on the status of their absentee applications, view the ballot proposals, and so much more. For a ballot to be counted it must be returned by 8 pm on Election Day which includes any of the secure drop boxes.
