How to Register Voters Rena Basch, Ann Arbor Charter Township Clerk Roddy Wares, League of Women Voters, Voter Service Committee
Agenda Goals Voter registration facts How to register new voters What you need Important aspects Nonpartisanship Turning in completed voter applications Resources Questions
Goal for today: Give you the information and tools you need to go out and successfully register voters
These boxes must be checked. Identification Applicant s birthday must be filled in. Application must be signed.
Requirements to register in MI A U.S. citizen At least 18 years old by Election Day A resident of Michigan Must complete and sign application A resident of the city or township where you are applying to register to vote. Not serving sentence in jail or prison
Elections in Michigan Voters must be registered 30 days prior to the election Three possible election dates every year: first Tuesday after first Monday of May, August and November Every election can have nonpartisan items on the ballot August is Primary Election; November is General Election 2018 Last day to register is then: May 8, 2018 April 9 August 7, 2018 July 9 November 6, 2018 October 9
First time registering in MI If in person at Secretary of State or clerk s office all set! If by mail or with LWV or a voter registration drive MUST VOTE IN PERSON in the 1 st election in which they participate. UNLESS voter is: Handicapped Over 60 years of age Presents valid ID to local clerk more than 30 days before the election Submits the absentee ballot application in person at the local clerk s office
Absent voting in MI Available for ALL elections Must have one of these reasons: Age 60 years old or older Unable to vote without assistance at the polls 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.
Absent voter (AV) process in MI Must apply to vote AV EVERY ELECTION Must be in writing Must have a reason Must sign the form Must be submitted to the local clerk Window for AV applications: starts 75 days ahead of an election, ends 2 pm on Saturday before election AV applications must be processed by the clerk in 24 hours, ballot mailed out AV ballots must be signed and returned to the local clerk by 8 pm on Election Day Voter can follow their AV process online at Michigan.gov/vote
What do I need to register voters? The right materials The right knowledge The right attitude
Voter registration materials Application forms Pens ONLY blue or black ink pens Clipboard Directions for voters From the application form and/or LWV Voting Tips handout Smart phone, tablet or computer access Optional: envelopes for mailing to clerk, AV applications
What you need to register voters A friendly manner (no pressure) Knowledge of websites that provide further information Knowledge of Voter registration requirements Upcoming election dates Dates for last voter registration Must vote in person rule Answers to other FAQs
How to engage potential new voters
What to tell new voters We re turning in your form tomorrow Your voter ID card will come in the mail Next election is Tuesday You vote at the polls the first time you vote, or if you need to vote absentee, visit your local clerk s office ahead of time request AV ballot in person. Check website for more information
Important things to remember Nonpartisan Review the form before person walks away Turning in voter registration forms ASAP
Resources http://www.vote411.org/ www.michigan.gov/vote https://turbovote.org/ LWV Tips for Voting handout Vote411.org QR Code
www.michigan.gov/vote
Voter Registration Projects High schools High school poster contest Senior citizens Underserved communities Art Fair Please complete the volunteer form
Thank you! Questions?
FAQ slides follow
Voter registration and drivers license linked in MI Michigan law states that the same address must be used for voter registration and driver's license purposes. Change one and the other changes. If the residence address you provide on voter registration application differs from the address shown on a driver's license, the Secretary of State will automatically change license address to match the residence address, and mail address update sticker for driver's license/id card.
After voter s registration submitted Application form physically mailed to local clerk Either by individual registering, SOS Office, County Clerk s Office Registration also entered into MI Qualified Voter File (QVF) database which is linked to the driver database Happens automatically if voter registers in person at SOS Manually entered if application goes to local clerk Happens almost automatically if voter changes address Voter signature saved Electronically and/or on physical card Local clerk mails voter info card Verification cleared when paperwork arrives
MI voter ID requirement Will be asked to present photo ID. The following types of photo ID are acceptable: Michigan driver's license or state-issued ID card Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state Federal or state government-issued photo identification U.S. passport Military ID with photo Student ID with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning Tribal identification card with photo The ID does not need your address If no acceptable form of ID, or forgot to bring it with them can still vote Simply sign not in possession of ID affidavit Ballot included with all others and counted on Election Day.
Key points - high school program Black or blue ink pens only TOP 2 Questions: Citizen and turning 18 on or by next election 2018 Elections: May 8, 2018?? August 7, 2018 November 6, 2018 Need either State ID or last 4 digits of SSN Must use legal name Treat voter registration applications like gold New voters should receive registration card in 2-3 weeks (or when turn 18)