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By Kristi Major
REGION– Voting by absentee ballot remains a safe, easy, and convenient way for Michigan residents to cast their vote. Everyone from overseas military personnel to the President of the United States has used absentee voting.
The Plainfield Township Clerk’s Office is responsible for handling local elections and ballots. This year, Deputy Clerk Chris Timlick oversaw the absentee ballot process for the midterm election. She explained that ballots first go through a proofing and approval process before being printed and delivered to the clerk’s office for mailing, which began toward the end of June.
“This year there were close to 1,200 requests for absentee ballots,” Timlick said. “It takes several days to get them all in the mail, but all should be out by the first week of July.”
Timlick also stressed the importance of checking ballots carefully before returning them. If a voter makes a mistake while filling out an absentee ballot, they can contact the clerk’s office and request a replacement ballot. Because every ballot is individually numbered, any returned ballot is removed from the system and a new ballot with a new number is issued.
Crawford County Clerk Jamie McClain encourages all residents to participate in elections and make their voices heard. While absentee voting is a responsible and reliable option, she also encourages voters to participate in person on Election Day when possible.
Residents can also use the clerk’s office to confirm voter registration, report an address change, or register to vote for the first time either online, by mail, or in person. Voters who requested an absentee ballot but have not received it to contact your local Clerk’s Office.
All registered Michigan voters have the right to vote by mail using an absentee ballot delivered to their home. Voters may also join Michigan’s permanent absentee ballot list, which automatically sends a ballot for every local, state, and federal election.
Absentee ballots are available beginning 40 days before an election. Applications may be submitted online, by mail, or directly through a local clerk’s office. Officials encourage voters to apply early and return ballots well before Election Day to avoid possible mailing delays.
Completed absentee ballots must be received by the local clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.
Voters are encouraged to track their ballot online to confirm it has been received and recorded. Ballot tracking is available through the Michigan Voter Information Center at MVIC.SOS.STATE.MI.US.
