OCTOBER 1, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today reminds residents that Tuesday, Oct. 9 is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 6 general election.

"Make sure your voice is heard," said Land, the state's chief election officer. "Visit your local Secretary of State branch office or your local clerk's office, and you can register to vote on the spot. Your participation ensures that you have a say in your community."

To register, people must be at least 18 years old by Election Day and be U.S. residents. They must also be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register.

Voters may register in person or by mail. The mail-in form is on the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos. First-time voters who register by mail must vote in person in their first election, unless they personally hand-deliver the application to their local clerk, are 60 years old or older, are disabled, or are overseas.

The Michigan Voter Information Center can assist voters who have questions about registration, polling locations, clerks' offices and equipment. It is at www.Michigan.gov/vote.

Voters are reminded that they will be asked to present a Michigan driver's license or Michigan personal identification card at the polls. However, voters who do not have photo ID on them may still vote after signing an affidavit.

Voters who don't have a Michigan driver's license or identification card can show the following forms of photo ID, as long as the documents are current:

• Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state
  Federal or state government-issued photo identification
• U.S. passport
• Military identification card with photo
• Student identification with photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education, such as a college or university
• Tribal identification card with photo.

The ID must include the voter's name and photo. It does not need to include an address.

Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID can still vote. They will sign a brief form stating that they're not in possession of photo ID. Their ballots will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.

If you do not have photo ID, you can get a state identification card at your local Secretary of State branch office for $10 at the same time you register to vote. State ID cards are free to individuals who are 65 or older, blind, who have had driving privileges terminated due to a physical or mental condition, or who can show another good cause for the fee waiver. Proof of identity and residency are required when applying for a state ID card.

Related Link
> List of Jurisdictions