OCTOBER 22, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today that 7.47 million Michigan residents have registered to vote. That amounts to record voter registration of nearly 98 percent of the voting age population.

"I'm pleased that so many people have registered to vote," Land said. "It's the first step in participating in the democratic process. Now I encourage everyone to take the next step and cast a ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 4, either in person or by absentee ballot if you qualify. This is an important election, with many local and national races being decided. Please take time to vote."

Registration has climbed steadily throughout the year. In January, 7.14 million Michigan residents were registered to vote. By July, that number had risen to 7.24 million. These numbers are higher than in the 2004 presidential election. That year, 7.16 million people were registered to vote.

The deadline to register for the Nov. 4 election was Oct. 6.

Early registration statistics from Michigan's Qualified Voter File indicate that overall, 47 percent of registered voters are male, while 53 percent are female.

Residents are again reminded of the voter identification requirement. They will be asked to present photo ID at the polls, such as a Michigan driver's license or identification card.

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

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

Land encouraged voters to visit the Michigan Voter Information Cener at www.Michigan.gov/vote for information on absentee ballots and Michigan's voter identification law.