Voters Encouraged to View Sample Ballots Before Going to Polls

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is encouraging Michigan voters to go online to view their sample ballot prior to the Nov. 6 general election in order to help shorten lines on Election Day.

Johnson, the state's chief elections officer, said “it’s as easy as visiting our Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote. Doing a little bit of homework and knowing what you are voting on before you reach the polls will make the voting process faster and easier for all voters, and help lines move more quickly in your polling location.”

Voters in some areas will face lengthier ballots, thanks in part to six statewide ballot proposals. Those issues, combined with local proposals and local, county, state and federal races, have resulted in two-page ballots in some areas, with Genesee County being one of those.

Voters are allowed to bring the sample ballot into their polling location in order to facilitate marking the official ballot, but should be sure to take the sample ballot with them when they leave the voting booth. It may not be shown to other voters.

Also on the Michigan Voter Information Center website, residents can check their voter registration status, find their polling location, learn about absentee voting, get information on Michigan’s voter ID laws and view contact information for their local clerk.

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.