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PRIMARY ELECTION: Masks recommended, no split tickets & 6 other things to know today

Posted at 6:46 AM, Aug 03, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-04 12:29:20-04

(WXYZ) — Ahead of the primary, we have seven different things you should know before you go to vote today.

Related: These are the key races to watch in Michigan's primary election

Do you have to wear a mask?

It is recommended that people wear a mask for safety while voting in Michigan. You will not be turned away from voting if you don't have a mask.

Related: Find your polling place in Michigan

No splitting the ticket

During the Michigan primary, you are not allowed to vote "split ticket," which means voting for more than one party column. For example, you cannot vote for a Republican congressional candidate and then a Democratic senatorial candidate.

Related: View your sample ballot for the 2020 election

Poll hours

Polls will open in Michigan at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., giving you 13 hours to vote.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, you can register in-person with your local clerk from July 21 through 8 p.m. on election day on Aug. 4.

How to get an absentee ballot

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced that the state would be mailing absentee ballot applications to all residents.

The voters in Michigan chose to allow people to vote absentee for no reason, meaning anyone can request and obtain an absentee ballot. You can even apply online now.

DETAILS ON HOW TO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT HERE

Bring ID to the polls

You will be asked to show a photo ID at the polls. That includes a driver's license or state-issued ID card, passport, military ID, student ID with a photo from high school or accredited college, tribal ID or any other federal or state government-issued photo ID.

If you do not have photo ID or forgot it, you can still vote. You will have to sign an affidavit stating that you are not in possession of a photo ID.

Sample ballots available online

If you'd like to see what your ballot will look like ahead of the Michigan primary, the Michigan Secretary of State's Office allows you to find your polling location and view a sample ballot that will look just like the one you will see when you arrive. Learn more here.

Problems at the polls

If you have any problems at the polls or are experiencing longer than average wait times, we want to hear about them.

Email us your problems or long wait times at tips@wxyz.com or by sending us a message on our Facebook page here.

You can also reach out to your county clerk or call the Michigan Bureau of Elections at 517-373-2540.