Five Truths About Voting in Michigan
Provided by the ACLU of Michigan
Fact: You have the right to vote without photo ID in Michigan.
Just ask to sign the affidavit form at the polls. Michigan's new photo ID law allows
registered voters who don't have photo identification, or those who have forgotten
to bring photo ID, to vote by signing a form at the polls stating they are not in
possession of photo ID. Voters without ID need to know their right to vote because
Michigan cities are getting this wrong. Shortly before the August 2008 primary election,
both the cities of Allen Park and Grand Blanc sent newsletters to city residents
stating the need for photo ID with no mention of the affidavit form for those without ID.
The Secretary of State estimates that approximately 370,000 Michigan residents have no
form of photo identification.
Fact: You have the right to vote in Michigan if you are an ex-felon.
Even those still on probation or parole can register and cast their vote on
Election Day. Michigan law only prohibits those serving a sentence on election
day from voting. People in jail awaiting trial or sentencing may vote by absentee
ballot, and those who have been released but who are on probation or parole may
vote after registering.
Fact: You have the right to vote if your home is in foreclosure.
The Michigan State Department of Elections is informing poll workers statewide
that voters with homes in foreclosure may not lose their right to vote nor be
challenged on their right to vote. Those who have moved from their homes may
vote in the same precinct up to 60 days after they have left that address.
Fact: You have the right to vote if you wear campaign gear to the polls.
You cannot lose your right to vote if you wear a t-shirt, hat, button or other
garb endorsing a candidate or an issue into the polling place. You will, however,
be asked to remove these items by a poll worker or risk misdemeanor charges.
Any and all campaign materials, including apparel, must be a minimum of 100 ft.
outside of the polling place at all times.
Fact: You have the right to be free of intimidation or harassment at the polls.
Voters should not be intimidated or discouraged from voting by questions like,
"Have you paid your rent?" or "Have you paid your child support?" During the last
presidential election, ACLU heard stories of voter intimidation like these
occurring in precincts with low-income and African American voters. If voters
are harassed or intimidated by anyone at the polling place, they should tell a
poll worker immediately and call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE,
a joint project of state and national civil rights organizations, including the ACLU of Michigan.
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