Ways to register to vote in the August 4th Primaries

MARQUETTE COUNTY — The primary elections are approaching on August 4, and there’s still some time to register to vote.

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County is reminding the public of the variety of registration options available. Until July 21st, registration is available online at www.mi.gov/VoterRegistration, in person at a Secretary of State branch office, or at your local city, township, or county clerk’s office. Voter registration drives are also a good way to make sure you can vote in August.

Registration applications can sent in by mail as well, as long as the application is postmarked by July 20.

League President Darlene Allen says it’s crucial for everyone to register and make their voices heard in the upcoming primary.

“Voting is the way that we can have some control and say over who’s running our various government offices, from local to state to national,” explained Allen. “It’s really the great equalizer because all of us have one vote and one voice. You hear a lot of people voicing concern about what their representatives are doing or how they’re voting or what’s happening in the country, and the way that we can make a difference is by getting out there and voting.”

Voters can register through 8:00 p.m. on August 4 in person at a clerk’s office, as long as they provide proof of residency.

Absentee ballots are also an option for anyone who can’t make it to the polls on election day.

“In the November 2018 election, we passed a new proposal that allows no reason absentee voting,” Allen said. “And that’s something that with COVID-19 can be really beneficial to keep people safe and keep lines down at the polls. We don’t know what we’re going to be faced with at each of our upcoming elections, whether it’s going to be safe to be in person and wait in line and things like that. And they can request an absentee ballot the same way that they register to vote.”

Allen would also like to remind people about the importance of informed voting. The League has an online voter guide available at vote411.org to help voters educate themselves on issues and candidates on each ballot. A full list of links and places to vote can be found here, and more information is available on the League of Women Voters website.