Voters encouraged to view sample ballots

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. "It's as easy as visiting our Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote," said Johnson, Michigan's chief elections officer. "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. Voters in Emmett, Genesee, Muskegon and Wayne counties will vote on two-page ballots. Some voters in Kalamazoo and Kent counties will also see two-page ballots. "It is more important than ever before for Wayne County voters to review and fully understand what they are voting for," said Wayne County Clerk Cathy M. Garrett. "A sample ballot can also be found on my website www.waynecounty.com/clerk or at your local clerk's office before the Nov. 6 election, and I have always believed that an informed voter is an effective voter." 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. "We have been giving the website high praises during our precinct inspector trainings and discussions with civic groups and with the media," said Joan Runyon, elections coordinator for the Livingston County clerk's office. "I very much like the ballot tracking feature, which provides voters the reassurance in knowing the date that their absentee ballot was mailed out and the date that the clerk received it after the voter mailed it back." Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Published: Tue, Oct 30, 2012