This is what democracy looks like

Election season is in full swing, Grand Rapidians! Due to the extraordinary work of the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, the Michigan NAACP, and countless other groups of grassroots organizers in 2018, Michigan is about to blow election turnout out of the water in the first general election since the passage of Proposal 3. This amendment to our state constitution has bolstered Michiganders’ voting rights by reducing barriers to voting and ensuring every eligible voter has a way to participate. There are many ways to make your voice heard this election, so if you haven’t already cast your ballot, it’s time to figure out how, where, and when will you vote.

STEP 1: REGISTRATION
In order to vote in Michigan elections you must be a registered voter, so make sure you are all set by going to Michigan.Gov/Vote. If you’re not registered, it’s not too late! You can register in person at your Clerk’s Office even on election day. Check out Michigan.Gov/Vote to find out what documentation you will need to provide to prove you are an eligible voter.

STEP 2: Decide if you will vote by mail or in person
If you are already registered and plan to vote in person on November 3, make sure you know where your polling place is located. Voting locations change occasionally, so verify your location in advance. You can find your polling place by viewing your voter registration record at Michigan.Gov/Vote.

If you plan to vote by mail and have already requested and received your absentee ballot in the mail, fill it out carefully and turn it in – the sooner the better! Absentee voting has additional steps, so make sure you follow the directions carefully. If you have questions, call the Clerk’s Office at (616) 456-3010. Voters are able to request an absentee ballot up until 4pm the day before the election (Monday, November 2), however, if you go this route, you will need to visit the Clerk’s Office at 300 Monroe (2nd Floor) or 201 Market Ave SW in person in order to vote.

If you are worried about potential delays with the mail, but do not want to vote in person, your best bet is to drop off your ballot at one of the following secure drop boxes in Grand Rapids:

• Grand Rapid Public Library Ottawa Hills branch, 1150 Giddings Ave. SE – curbside on Giddings
• Grand Rapid Public Library Seymour branch, 2350 Eastern Ave. SE – rear of building near the book drop
• Grand Rapid Public Library Van Belkum branch, 1563 Plainfield Ave. NE – curbside on Plainfield
• Grand Rapid Public Library West Leonard branch, 1017 Leonard St. NW – east parking lot
• Parking lot at 427 Market Ave. SW – southwest corner of Market and Wealthy
• 300 Ottawa Ave. NW – across from Calder Plaza
• Monroe-level lobby of City Hall, 300 Monroe Ave. NW. City Hall is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

STEP 3: Track your ballot
The Michigan Secretary of State has a ballot tracking tool! Once your absentee ballot has been received, your Clerk’s office will update your voter record so you can see when your ballot arrived. Note: if you requested an absentee ballot, but decide to vote in person at your precinct on election day, take your ballot with you so that you can turn it in to an election worker. The absentee ballot is now considered surrendered and you will be issued a new ballot.

Now that we have sooooo many options to make our voices heard, let’s roar. Happy voting, Grand Rapids!