Archived News Release: July 30, 2024 - The Ann Arbor City Clerk's Office is sharing information and reminders to help prepare and empower voters ahead of Primary Election Day Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Learn
Voters can review their sample ballot ahead of time online at the Michigan Voter Information Center, www.michigan.gov/vote, and can watch League of Women Voters of Washtenaw County forums on CTN.
Register
An important step to being prepared, notes Ann Arbor City Clerk Jacqueline Beaudry, is for residents to make sure they are registered to vote. Anyone unsure can check their registration status on the Michigan Voter Information Center www.michigan.gov/vote. “If someone still needs to register to vote," Beaudry explained, “they can do so in person at our office, with proof of residency." The Ann Arbor City Clerk's Office is open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily through Sunday, Aug. 4, and is located on the second floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. Metered on-street and lot parking are located on Ann Street, east of Fifth Avenue. Voter registration may occur at the city clerk's office in person up until 8 p.m. on Election Day — but Beaudry urges residents to come by and get registered now to avoid waiting in last-minute lines.
Vote
On Election Day, in person — For voters planning to go to their designated polling place to vote on Election Day Tuesday, Aug. 6, polls will be open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Voters must show their valid photo ID to vote; those without an acceptable photo ID will be required to sign an affidavit before voting. Registered voters in line by 8 p.m. will be eligible to vote. “Before heading out," Beaudry shared, “voters can check the number of people waiting in line at their city polling place and view estimated wait times using the Ann Arbor Election Day Line Tracker." The line tracker also includes images of each polling place as well as links to maps and directions. She also notes for voters to visit the city road and lane closures webpage to find out if any construction- or event-related detours are in place, at www.a2gov.org/roads. Two in particular, Lawton School voters can follow the posted detour on South Seventh to access the polling place; signage will also be in place directing Lakewood School voters through road construction projects around the school.
The following precincts have had their polling locations temporarily moved for the Aug. 6, 2024, Primary Election. Voters in these affected precincts were mailed a notice to their homes in mid-July.:
1-5 has temporarily been moved from A2 Steam at Northside to: Clague Middle School, 2616 Nixon Road
1-6 has temporarily been moved from A2 Steam at Northside to: Clague Middle School, 2616 Nixon Road
5-44 has temporarily been moved from Ann Arbor Open to: Wines Elementary School, 1701 Newport Road
5-50 has temporarily been moved from Haisley School to: Skyline High School, 2552 N. Maple Road
5-51 has temporarily been moved from Abbot School to: Skyline High School, 2552 N. Maple Road
Also, new this year, the City of Ann Arbor is hosting the Election Day Vote Center to allow residents who register to vote on Election Day an opportunity to cast their Election Day vote in person. Previously, many residents who registered on Election Day at Larcom City Hall were issued absentee ballots. “Now, those registering on Election Day can vote in a similar manner to those voting at an Election Day polling place or an early vote site," Beaudry said. The Election Day Vote Center is open at Larcom City Hall 7 a.m.–8 p.m. on Election Day, Aug. 6, and is only available to voters registering to vote at the same time.
Beaudry points out, however, there's no need to wait until Election Day to vote though. Two convenient alternatives allow registered voters to choose the best time to cast their ballot, but they must plan accordingly.
Early, in person — Registered Ann Arbor voters can show up to any of four early voting sites to be issued a ballot and to insert their voted ballot directly into a tabulator — on the spot. Early voters must show their valid photo ID to vote; those without an acceptable photo ID will be required to sign an affidavit before voting. Early voting opened July 27 and will close Sunday, Aug. 4. Sites are (PDF):
Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Malletts Creek Library Branch, 3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway 48108, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Traverwood Library Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive 48105, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Westgate Library Branch , 2503 Jackson Ave. 48103, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Absentee voting — Ann Arbor registered voters may choose to fill out their ballot from the comfort of home, office, etc. by voting absentee. Beaudry explained voters who already applied for a Primary Election absentee ballot, including voters on the permanent ballot list, should have already received their ballots in the mail in early July. Absent voters must fill out (vote), sign and return the absentee ballot on or before Election Day at 8 p.m. using one of the Ann Arbor City Clerk's Office drop boxes (see the drop box locations list) or by bringing it to tabulate at an early voting site (PDF) before closing time on Aug. 4. Voters can also return ballots in person at Larcom City Hall or via mail or another courier, however, the United States Postal Service recommends mailing ballots at least seven days in advance of the election. Beaudry notes, with Election Day quickly approaching, returning absentee ballots in person or using a designated drop box is the best recommendation.
If registered voters still need to apply for an absentee ballot, Beaudry says there's still time. Voters can request a Primary Election absentee ballot in person at the city clerk's office anytime up to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5. “And while you're at our counter," she said, “ask about joining the Automatic Ballot List! Placement on this list means that you will automatically receive your ballot in the mail roughly 30–40 days ahead of an election day to the address our office has on file for you."
I voted!
Voters at polling places, early-voting sites and those voting absentee can show their participation with an Ann Arbor “I voted" sticker. The unique stickers were each designed by an Ann Arbor community member. And only in 2024, the clerk's office is also offering special A200 “I voted" stickers in celebration of the Ann Arbor Bicentennial. Digital badges are available to upload to a social media account(s) as well. Go to www.a2gov.org/elections and select the “A2 votes" tab. “Be sure to use #A2Votes when posting," Beaudry urged, “and show your civic pride!"
Questions?
Additional information can be found on the city's elections website, www.a2gov.org/elections; and Beaudry emphasizes questions are welcomed about elections in Ann Arbor, by reaching out to the city clerk's office at 734.794.6140 or [email protected].
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