Archived News Release: October 11, 2024 - General Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and Ann Arbor is sharing information and reminders to help prepare and empower city voters. Ann Arbor City Clerk Jacqueline Beaudry wants residents to know there are many options to get ready to vote, and also to cast their ballot now. “With the introduction of early voting and voting absentee becoming even more accessible in Michigan in recent years," she said, “we encourage residents to consider their options for voting prior to Election Day."
Beaudry notes residents can check if they're registered to vote in Ann Arbor, to register now if not, and even to visit one of Ann Arbor's six early voting sites opening later this month to fill out and tabulate their ballot in an instant. “We are fortunate to be a civic-minded city and that often means high voter turnout," Beaudry said, “If you think an obstacle could come up on Election Day, like a time conflict, inclement weather, illness or transportation availability, you can vote absentee or in person early, when it's most convenient to you, and ensure your voice is heard."
Beaudry is sharing additional information important for voters to know.
Learn
Voters can review their sample ballot ahead of time online at the Michigan Voter Information Center, www.michigan.gov/vote. Ann Arbor Community Television Network (CTN) is also airing productions that explain two city ballot proposals: the Sustainable Energy Utility Millage (SEU) and the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage Renewal. The city website, www.a2gov.org/elections, also features complete information about voting in Ann Arbor.
Register
An important step to being prepared, Beaudry notes, is for residents to make sure they are registered to vote. Anyone unsure can check their registration status on the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote. Monday, Oct. 21, is the last day to register or update your registered address via the mail or online. After Oct. 21, you must register/update in person at the city clerk's office, until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. The Ann Arbor City Clerk's Office is open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily and, for election-related services, during the following additional hours:
All Wednesdays in October, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 27, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
The city clerk's office 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.
An on-campus satellite city clerk's office is also open now at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA), 525 S. State St. Hours are Monday–Friday from noon to 6 p.m. Voters can register here and request and return absentee ballots. A satellite office will also open at Duderstadt Center, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd., on north campus beginning Monday, Oct. 21, with hours from noon to 6 p.m. Both satellite offices on campus will expand their days and hours on Saturday, Oct. 26, to include weekends through Sunday, Nov. 3, and extended hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Both sites are also available for early voting beginning Saturday, Oct. 26. Registration will continue at these locations on Monday, Nov. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
New this year, the City of Ann Arbor will operate the Election Day Vote Center allowing residents to register to vote on Election Day and to fill out and insert their voted ballot directly into a tabulator during the visit. The Election Day Vote Center will be open at Larcom City Hall, UMMA and Duderstadt Center 7 a.m.–8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5, and is only available to residents who are registering and voting at the same time. Beaudry reminds prospective voters, though, it's always best to plan ahead, take advantage of her office's extended hours this month, and register early, to avoid any personal, unforeseen obstacles on Election Day.
Vote
On Election Day, in person — For voters planning to go to their designated polling place to vote on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 5, 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.
There has been one polling place change, for Ward 2, Precinct 14 (2-14) — Precinct 2-14 has been permanently relocated from Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Ave., to: ANGELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 1608 S. University AVE. Voters in this affected precinct were mailed an updated voter information card in late September.
“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, at www.a2gov.org/roads, to find out if there are any construction- or event-related detours in place on their route to the polls.
Early, in person — Registered Ann Arbor voters can show up to any of six 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 will open Saturday, Oct. 26, and will close Sunday, Nov. 3. Sites are (map 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.
University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA), 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor 48109, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Duderstadt Center, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor 48109, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
In addition to convenience, ease and to avoid crowds, Beaudry notes there is another reason Ann Arbor voters may want to cast their ballots at an early voting site. The highly sought-after State of Michigan limited-edition (and limited supply) “I voted" stickers will only be distributed in Ann Arbor during early voting, while supplies last. No shade to Ann Arbor's own unique and creative “I voted" stickers, however, which will also be available during the General Election as well as in digital formats for posting.
The University of Michigan (UMICH Votes) has also been using creative ways to encourage students to register to vote in advance and to vote early as well, as posted on the UMICH Votes Instagram. The goal of their efforts is to prevent long lines and wait times on Election Day and to make the voting process more accessible and less intimidating for students.
Absentee voting (AV) — 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 General Election absentee ballot, including voters on the permanent ballot list, were already mailed their ballots in late September. 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 Sunday, Nov. 3. 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. Here are more absent voting dates to keep in mind:
Through Monday, Nov. 4: AV ballots are available to get by mail or in person at the city clerk's office or satellite office. Bring a photo ID if picking up an AV ballot in person.
Friday, Oct. 25, until 5 p.m.: Last day for a voter to spoil their ballot that has been received by the city clerk's office.
Friday, Nov. 1, until 5 p.m.: Last day to submit an application for an AV ballot to be mailed.
Monday, Nov. 4, until 4 p.m.: Last day to submit an application to receive an AV ballot in person at the city clerk's office or satellite office.
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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