FEBRUARY 21, 2006

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land encourages voters to participate in the Tuesday, Feb. 28 election.

Elections in more than 40 counties will impact local school districts, district libraries, cities, townships, villages and counties.

"Making your voice heard at the ballot box is the American way," said Land, Michigan’s chief election officer. "This is a chance to have a say in matters that affect you. Every election is important and I encourage voters to make casting a ballot one of their top priorities on Feb. 28. Nobody loses when everyone participates in our election process."

Land reminds residents that the online Michigan Voter Information Center is an excellent resource that can address many questions. The site at www.Michigan.gov/vote helps visitors determine whether they are registered to vote, assists them in finding their local election officials and polling places, and provides information on a wide range of election topics.

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot by mail is 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Residents who want to vote an absentee ballot in person must do so at their local clerk’s office by 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27.

This is the second year in which voters will cast ballots under Michigan’s consolidated election law. The law makes elections more efficient and cost-effective by limiting their number. It also helps voters plan to participate by allowing them to mark upcoming elections on their calendars.