LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is encouraging all eligible voters to cast their ballots in local elections Tuesday, Nov. 3.

“Voting for schools and libraries, cities and townships, means your voice is being heard right in your community,” Johnson said. “If your municipality is holding an election, please take a few minutes to cast your ballot.”

The polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 74 counties in Michigan are holding elections.

To find out if there is an election in your community and to view your sample ballot, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote. Johnson said the website is a great online resource for voters. They can find their polling location or track their absentee ballots to confirm their absentee ballot has been received by their local clerk.

The November election features three state House special primary elections for districts representing Grand Rapids, and Allegan and Lapeer counties. The winners of the special primary will move on to the special general election March 8. A full list of jurisdictions with elections can be found online.

There is still time for voters to obtain an absentee ballot. 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 for the entire time the polls are open 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.

Those who wish to receive their absentee ballot by mail must submit their application by 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2. Voters who request an absentee ballot in person on Monday must fill out the ballot in the clerk’s office. Emergency absentee ballots are available under certain conditions through 4 p.m. on Election Day.

Residents who registered to vote by mail or via a voter registration drive and have never voted in Michigan are not eligible to vote by absentee ballot in their first election. They must vote in person at their precinct. This restriction does not apply to voters who are overseas, disabled or 60 or older.

Voters must fulfill identification requirements under Michigan law. They will be asked to present valid photo ID at the polls, 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 may 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. Voters obtaining absentee ballots in person must meet the same photo identification requirement as voters who cast ballots in the polling place.

Under Michigan law, voters will also be presented with an application at the polls. By signing the application, the voter certifies that he or she is a U.S. citizen.

A specially equipped voting station called the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal is also available at each polling location for use by voters with disabilities.