Michigan’s Presidential Primary is TOMORROW

ATTENTION VOTERS: The March 8, 2016 Presidential Primary is a closed primary which requires a selection of ballot type: Republican, Democratic, or Nonpartisan (which will include Proposals only).

A new format for the Michigan Presidential Primary takes effect with Tuesday’s voting day.

While you need not be registered as either Republican or Democrat to participate in Michigan’s Presidential Primary, you will need to request a specific party ballot when voting. According to the Secretary of State website, “Any Michigan registered voter can participate in the primary. By law, you must make your ballot selection in writing by completing the Application to Vote/Ballot Selection Form on Election Day; or on the Absent Voter Ballot Application form if voting absentee.” This requirement only applies to Presidential Primary elections, and voters will not be required to select a political party ballot type at other types of elections.

This will not mean you have to vote in the same party in August, or at the November general election. And although ballot selection is considered public information, under the Freedom of Information Act, the public list of voters’ Presidential Primary ballot selections will be destroyed after a 22-month retention period expires.

ONLY the political party ballot selection will be made public; the candidate for whom you vote will not be made public.

On each ballot, whether Democratic, Republican, or Nonpartisan, there will also be a County wide proposal for a renewal of .20 mills to provide funding to continue the County Enhanced Emergency Communication System. Some voters in the Manchester area who live within the Clinton school district will also see an operating millage renewal proposal (Headlee Override) for the district.

Whatever your party affiliation (or lack thereof), be sure to exercise your right to make your voice heard as part of the political process on Tuesday, March 8.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.