Updates About Elections

The 2024 August primary in Michigan is nearly upon us, with the August 6th Election Day already less than a month away! Whether you’re planning to vote early or on Election Day, knowing the following key information will ensure your vote counts:

1. Stay In Your Lane: In Michigan primaries, you must choose to vote for candidates from only one party on your ballot. Attempting to split your ballot between different parties will invalidate the partisan section of your vote.

2. Registering to Vote: If you’re not yet registered, you can do so up until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Bring proof of residence, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, to your local clerk’s office, or Register Online.

3. Early Voting: Take advantage of Michigan’s new early voting option from July 27 through August 4. Contact your local clerk or visit Michigan Voter Information for early voting locations and times.

4. Voting Absentee: All registered voters can vote absentee without needing a reason. If you’re on the permanent absentee list, ballots were mailed on June 27. Otherwise, you can Request a Ballot Online or from your local clerk’s office.

5. Track Your Ballot: Use the Michigan Secretary of State’s Tracking System to monitor your absentee ballot’s status.

6. Changing Your Vote: If you need to change your absentee ballot, you can do so by contacting your local clerk before specific deadlines. After these deadlines, changes may not be possible.

At the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson recently announced a new collaboration with the Detroit Regional Chamber and business leaders from across the state, which they’re calling Michigan Business United for Elections coalition. This nonpartisan group was created to educate citizens about their voting rights and encourage participation in elections. The coalition has committed to serving three key goals: (1) Partners will encourage their employees to volunteer to work the polls in August and November, (2) they will promote education around voting in a nonpartisan manner, and (3) they are guaranteeing that employees will have adequate time off to vote either on Election day or beforehand. This collaboration unites the state with Michigan businesses in efforts to support safe and secure elections.

Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced charges against former Adams Township Clerk Stephanie Scott and her attorney, Stefanie Lynn Junttila (also known as Stefanie Lambert) for their alleged involvement in a voter data breach during the 2020 presidential election. Scott allegedly ignored instructions to surrender her township’s voting tabulator until it was seized by the Michigan State Police, while Lambert has been accused of transmitting data from the township’s poll book. Scott and Lambert face multiple felony charges, including using a computer to commit a crime and unauthorized access to computers. Nessel emphasized that such actions undermine the democratic process and hopes this can be a lesson on the importance of election security and integrity.