OCTOBER 28, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land estimates over 5 million voters, or approximately 70 percent of registered voters, will cast ballots in the Nov. 4 general election. Over 7.4 million Michigan residents are registered to vote.

"Voter enthusiasm is at an all-time high and because of that I expect an unprecedented number of voters to attend the polls on Election Day," said Land, Michigan's chief election officer. "I encourage you to take time to educate yourself on the candidates and issues, and then cast your ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4."

In the 2004 presidential election, nearly 7.2 million Michigan residents were registered to vote, and over 4.8 million, or 67.5 percent, cast a ballot.

This year's estimate is based on past election turnouts in presidential election years, absent voter activity, information from local officials, interest in the presidential race, voter involvement, and the number of races on the ballot.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents are reminded that avoiding peak times and voting in the midmorning (9-11 a.m.) or midafternoon (2-4 p.m.) may help them vote more quickly.

Many registered voters may qualify for an absentee ballot. They may obtain one if they are:

• age 60 or older
• physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another person
• 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 their precinct of residence.

The clerk must receive the application by 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 for those voters who wish to receive their absentee ballot by mail. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3. Voters who request an absentee ballot in person on Monday, Nov. 3 must vote the ballot in the clerk's office. Emergency absentee ballots are available under certain conditions through 4 p.m. on the date of the election.

Residents are reminded of the voter identification requirement when at the polls on Election Day. They will be asked to present photo ID, such as a Michigan driver's license or identification card. 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 photo ID. Their ballots will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.

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.

All polling places have equipment that is specially designed for voters with disabilities. The AutoMARK device allows voters to mark their ballots privately and without assistance. Any voter is welcome to use the AutoMARK upon request.

Information on absentee ballots, the voter ID requirement and other topics can be located via the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote. Voters can view a sample ballot prior to going to the polls, find a map to their polling place, learn how to contact their local clerk, and learn about voting equipment, among other options.

Additional election information can be found at www.Michigan.gov/sos.