Michigan primary election 2022: Everything you need to know – Detroit Free Press

Precinct worker Christine Ingles, of Northville, waits for more voters to show up on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 3, 2020 at Precinct 1 located inside the garage of Novi Township clerk, Derwood Haines, 58.

Tuesday, Aug. 2, is Election Day in Michigan, as voters head to the polls to decide a series of races at the statewide and local levels.

Here is a primer on everything you need to know — from what races are being decided, how to register to vote, what times polls open and close and more:

Who’s on Michigan primary election ballot?

On the August primary ballot today are Democratic and Republican primaries for governor, congressional and state legislative races. 

The biggest race to watch is to see who earns the Republican nomination for governor, to challenge Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in November. Here are the 5 candidates.

There are also elections being decided at the local level. To see what is on your ballot, enter your address using our voter guide, or at the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote.

Can I register to vote on Election Day in Michigan?

Yes, you can! In Michigan, eligible voters can register up to and on Election Day until 8 p.m. at their local clerk’s office. Clerk’s office locations can also be found on the Michigan Voter Information Center.

To register to vote, you’ll need to provide your local clerk with proof of eligibility and proof of residency. 

To be eligible to vote, you must:

  • be a Michigan resident and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days by Election Day
  • be a U.S. citizen
  • be at least 18 years old by Election Day
  • Not be currently serving a jail or prison sentence

Proof of residency includes:

  • Your driver’s license or Michigan ID
  • A current utility bill
  • A recent paystub or bank statement
  • Another government document with your address
People leave after casting their ballots at Carstens Elementary-Middle School in Detroit on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021.

How do I vote in Michigan elections?

On Election Day, in-person voting must take place at your assigned polling place. Bigger cities and townships typically have multiple polling locations, so make sure you arrive at the correct one.

Information on your polling location can be found by visiting the Michigan Voter Information Center.

More:6 races — and types of races — worth watching in Tuesday’s Michigan primary

More:Elections Newsletter: Michigan gears up for Aug. 2 primary

Once you arrive to the polls, you’ll be asked to sign in with local election workers. The election staff will provide you with a ballot or another option to vote if additional accommodation is needed. 

Mark and return your ballot to cast your vote. 

You will be asked to provide a form of photo ID to vote. Valid forms of photo ID include:

  • Michigan driver’s license or Michigan personal identification card
  • Current driver’s license or personal identification card issued by another state
  • Current federal or state government-issued photo identification
  • Current U.S. passport
  • Current student identification with photo — from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education
  • Current military identification card with photo
  • Current tribal identification card with photo

If you do not have an ID, you can still vote. You will be asked to sign an affidavit confirming your identity. Falsifying this affidavit is a crime with a punishment of a fine up $1,000, up to five years in prison, or both.

What time are Michigan polls open?

Polling locations open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Voters who are in line but haven’t voted yet by 8 p.m. are still allowed to vote. 

Remember: You can only vote in a single party’s primary

Since the August election is a statewide primary, it’s important to remember voters can only vote in a single party’s primary races. This means if you wanted to cast a vote in the Republican gubernatorial primary, you’d have to cast votes in the other respective Republican primaries on your ballot — otherwise, your votes in partisan primary races won’t count.

Voters can also vote in a party’s primary in the August election, but vote for a different party come November, should they choose to. 

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @arpanlobo.

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