By Staff
Michigan residents who are not registered to vote are reminded that Monday, July 7 is the registration deadline for the Aug. 5 primary.
"Both local and state offices may be on your primary ballot, including legislative and congressional seats and judicial races," said Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land in a press release.
If you are not yet registered to vote in Michigan, I encourage you to do so as soon as possible."
Voters can register any number of ways – but if they find themselves needing to do so Monday, they may want to consider registering in person. First time voters who have registered by mail must vote in person in their first election, unless they hand-deliver the application to their local clerk, are 60 years old or older, are disabled or are overseas – according to the release.
Online, voters can check their registration status or find their local polling place. Residents can also find information on absentee ballots and voting equipment. It is also suggested to contact their local clerk with any questions.
At the polls, the release states, voters are reminded they will need to have a photo ID present. Those without a valid Michigan driver's license or photo identification card may also use one of the following forms of identification:
Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state
Federal or state government-issued photo identification
United States passport
Military identification card with photo
Student identification with photo from a high school, accredited college or university
Tribal identification card with photo
Those without such substituting forms of photo identification may sign a specialized form stating they are not in possession of a photo ID at the polls.
Those ballots will be included with all others and counted on Election Day, as stated in the release.
Voters who are 60 years of age or older, unable to vote at the polls without assistance, expecting to be out of town on election day, in jail awaiting arraignment or trial, unable to attend due to religious reasons may choose to vote by absentee ballot.
Seats up for election on the Aug. 5 ballot in Niles include congressional seats for United States senate along with representatives for state legislature for the 78th district, county prosecuting attorney, sheriff, clerk and treasurer.