OCTOBER 21, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today reminded voters of the absentee ballot option in the upcoming November election.

"The absentee ballot option gives those who qualify the opportunity to participate in the election and to vote the ballot at their convenience," Land said. "You still have time to get an absentee ballot for the November election if you qualify, but the deadline is fast approaching. Simply contact your local clerk for more information."

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 out of town 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.

Voters who wish to receive their absentee ballot by mail have until 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 to submit their absentee ballot application to their city of township clerk. Voters must include their name, address and the qualifying reason for requesting the ballot. An absentee ballot application is available at any local clerk's office or online at www.Michigan.gov/vote.

A request can also be submitted in a simple letter or on a postcard.

Registered voters may also visit their city or township clerk's office for an absentee ballot through 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3. Those who request a ballot in person on Nov. 3 must vote the ballot while in the clerk's office. Absentee ballots must be returned to the clerk's office by hand or by mail by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Emergency absentee ballots are available under certain conditions through 4 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters should note that if they have registered to vote by mail or via a voter registration drive and have never voted in Michigan, they are not eligible to vote by absentee ballot in their first election. They must vote in person at their precinct instead. However, this restriction does not apply to voters who are age 60 or older, disabled or overseas.

Absentee voters should remember to sign the return envelope. If a voter receives assistance in preparing the ballot, the signature of the person providing the assistance must also be on the return envelope. Signed absentee ballots can only be returned to a clerk's office by the voter, a family member or person residing in the voter's household, a mail carrier or election official.

When completing an absentee ballot, voters should be aware that building managers and staff cannot take possession of a person's ballot, unless they are handling it as part of their duties to collect that building's outgoing mail. It is also illegal to vote in a group setting. Residents should not attend any meeting at which the residents of their building or members of an organization to which they belong are being asked to vote at the same time.

Land encourages anyone who believes these procedures are being violated to call the Michigan Bureau of Elections toll-free at 1-866-766-4355.

For additional information, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote or contact your local clerk.

Related Links
> Find your local clerk
> www.Michigan.gov/vote
> Voter Information Center FAQ