Voters across Michigan will head to the polls on Tuesday, March 8 for the 2016 presidential primary election.

The presidential primary is open to all registered voters. There is no political party registration requirement in Michigan so voters can choose to participate in either the Democratic or Republican party primary.

Michigan holds what is called a “closed” primary. At the polling place, voters will be asked to select (in writing) a presidential primary ballot for either the Democratic or Republican parties that also may contain local election items. Voters who do not wish to participate in the presidential primary may receive a ballot that contains only local items. There are no local items for the Cedar Springs area.

Voter ID

Voters will be asked to provide identification when they visit the polls on Election Day. They will be asked to present a valid photo ID, such as a Michigan driver’s license or identification card. 

Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID, or failed to bring it with them to the polls, may still vote. The person will be required to sign a brief affidavit stating that he or she is not in possession of photo ID. The ballot will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.

For voters with disabilities

A specially equipped voting station called the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal is available at each polling location for use by voters with disabilities.

To view your sample ballot, find your polling place, or check your registration status, go to the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote.

Absentee ballots

Voters who qualify may choose to cast an absentee ballot. As a registered voter, you may obtain an absentee ballot if you are:

• Age 60 or older.
• Physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another.
• Expecting to be absent from the community in which you are registered for the entire time the polls will be open on Election Day.
• In jail awaiting arraignment or trial.
• Unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons.
• Appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.

Those who wish to receive an absentee ballot by mail must submit the application by 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5.