Local elections in many jurisdictions are less than one week away

With elections in 54 Michigan counties less than a week away, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is reminding voters that they have options to cast their ballot for the primary election.

"Our elections are safe and secure, and voters can feel confident that their vote will count and their voice will be heard in their local communities," said Benson. "Whether you are voting from home, at your clerk's office or in person on Election Day, election workers in many jurisdictions once again stand ready to serve the people of Michigan as they cast their ballot."

Voters can receive or drop off an absentee ballot at their local election clerk's office this week and this weekend. They can find their clerk's office hours at Michigan.gov/Vote, as well as locations for ballot drop boxes and polling places. On Election Day, Aug. 3, registered voters can only vote at their local polling place.

Citizens who are not yet registered can do so at their clerk's office through 8 p.m. on Election Day. They can also vote in person by absentee ballot in the same visit. Citizens are not able to register online or by mail within 15 days of any election they wish to vote in.

Voters who received an absent voter ballot in the mail should sign the back of the envelope and drop it off at their local clerk's office or drop box as soon as possible. Mailing ballots this close to Election Day is discouraged, due to possible mail delays. Ballots not received by 8 p.m. on Election Day must be rejected. Voters who have requested an absent voter ballot but not yet received it should call their local clerk immediately.

Voters can find their personalized voting information at Michigan.gov/Vote.