JULY 25, 2005

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land reminds voters to cast ballots in the Tuesday, Aug. 2 election.

Voters in 53 counties will go to the polls in elections that impact counties, cities, townships, villages, district libraries, schools, community colleges and intermediate school districts. It marks the third election under Michigan’s new consolidated election law.

"Every election is important whether it’s local, state or national," Land said. "Don’t pass up a chance to have a say in matters that affect you. This is democracy in action but its success depends on you. We’re making it easier for people to participate. Michigan’s successful consolidated election law is a good example. I encourage voters to make their voices heard by going to the polls on Aug. 2."

Registered voters who want an absentee ballot mailed to them must submit their application in writing to their city or township clerk by 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30. Residents who want to vote an absentee ballot in person must do so by 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1. Voters who are prevented from attending the polls due to circumstances such as a sudden illness or a family death may request an emergency absentee ballot until 4 p.m. on Election Day.

The consolidated election law was signed in January 2004. It makes elections more efficient and cost-effective by limiting elections to four dates a year. Those dates are the fourth Tuesday in February and the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May, August and November. The first two elections under the law were Feb. 22 and May 3.

Cities that had conducted September primaries before the new law were given the option to continue doing so.

The law also provides greater consistency, which allows voters to mark election dates on their calendars; reduces or eliminates election costs for school districts; and puts elections in the hands of local clerks who are trained election professionals.

>  A list of elections by county (PDF File)