AUGUST 27, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is ensuring that local election officials have the latest training and tools to build on Michigan's record of accurate, efficient voting.

"Our election process continually evolves due to new requirements and advances in technology," said Land, Michigan's chief election officer. "These changes, while enhancing the process, add challenges to the tremendous responsibilities already shouldered by local officials. That makes the Department of State's support all the more critical. We're providing our local partners with the necessary training, educational tools and technology to help pave the way for successful elections. Working together, we're ensuring that Michigan's high standards of election efficiency and integrity are upheld."

Land pointed to several initiatives that keep local officials at the forefront of administering elections:

• Election officials in larger jurisdictions will soon undergo training to help them teach poll workers what to expect on Election Day.
• Earlier this year, over 4000 election officials and precinct chairs attended "refresher" training courses at more than 130 sessions throughout the state. Participants updated their Election Day knowledge and skills, ranging from setting up polling places to tabulating the results.
• The department is creating videos that provide election officials and the public with the necessary information regarding the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminals. The terminals, used for the first time statewide last year, allow voters with disabilities to cast ballots privately and independently. The videos will be on the department Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos. Hands-on training sessions for the AutoMARK continue to be available to local officials upon request as well.
• Election officials are also being educated on photo identification requirements. A recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling means poll workers will ask all voters to show photo identification starting with this year's November election. Voters who do not have photo ID with them can vote after signing an affidavit attesting that they are not in possession of photo ID.
• The Qualified Voter File (QVF) continues to adapt to election officials' changing needs. It now includes a version which allows officials in smaller jurisdictions to view and update QVF records over a secure Internet connection. The program makes smaller jurisdictions less reliant on the county for voter registration information. Software and training are provided free of charge.
• In addition, the QVF now includes digitized signatures drawn from the driver's license system. Election officials can use the signatures to match against other election-related documents, such as petitions and absent voter applications.

More election information can be found at www.Michigan.gov/sos.