May election's voter registration deadline approaching quickly

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminds residents that they have until Monday, April 9, to register to vote in the May 8 election. "This is a terrific time to register if you have not yet done so," said Johnson, Michigan's chief election officer. "You will have a chance to make your voice heard at the polls, first by voting on local issues in May. Then later in the year you will be able to cast a ballot in elections with state- and nationwide importance, like November's presidential election." The polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To register, applicants must be at least 18 years old by Election Day and be U.S. citizens. Applicants must also be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register. Voters may register by mail, at their county, city or township clerk's office or by visiting any Secretary of State office. The mail-in form is available at www.Michigan.gov/elections. First-time voters who register by mail must vote in person in their first election, unless they hand-deliver the application to their local clerk, are 60 years old or older, are disabled or are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. To check their registration status, residents may visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote. Residents can also find information there on absentee voting. Published: Thu, Apr 5, 2012