If you plan to vote in the August 7th  primary have until today, Monday, July 9 to register to vote.  There are some key races in Michigan and in the Calhoun County area.

The 8-person field for governor will be narrowed down to three, one Republican, one Democrat, and one Libertarian,.

  • Republicans:  Brian Calley, Patrick Colbeck, Jim Hines, Bill Schuette
  • Democrats:  Abdi; El-Sayed, Shiri Thanedar, Gretchen Whitmer
  • Libertarians: Bill Gelineau. John J. Tatar

Two Republicans will battle for the nomination to oppose U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow:

  • Republicans: John James, Sandy Pensler

Two Democrats will vie for the nomination to oppose 3rd District Congressman Justin Amash:

  • Democrats: Cathy Albro, Fred Wooden

Five Democrats are running for the nomination to oppose Republican 4th District Congressman Fred Upton:

  • Democrats: David Benac, Rich Eichholz, George Franklin, and Matt Longjohn

Two Republicans are running to get on the November ballot for the 19th State Senate District, currently held by the term-limited Mike Nofs:

  • Republicans: Dr. John Bizon, Mike Callton

Three Republicans are running for the spot on the ballot for the 63rd State House Seat:

  • Republicans: Paul Foust, Matt Hall, and Dave Maturen.

“Because every community will have an election on this date, I encourage everyone eligible to register to vote and then cast your ballot on Election Day,” Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said. “You have an incredible opportunity to make your voice heard on federal, state and local leadership, but you must be registered first.”

To register to vote, applicants must be at least 18 years old by Election Day and U.S. citizens. Applicants also must be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register. Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters may register by mail or in person at their county, city or township clerk’s office or by visiting any Secretary of State office.

Residents can visit www.Michigan.gov/vote to find the address of their local clerk or obtain the mail-in voter registration application. 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.

If a voter is already registered but needs to change their address, they may be able to update their address online at www.ExpressSOS.com. To check their registration status, residents may visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote. They can see their sample ballot and find their polling place. Residents also can find information on absentee voting, Michigan’s voter identification requirement and how to use voting equipment.

Voters who qualify may choose to cast an absentee ballot. As a registered voter, you may obtain an absentee ballot if you are age 60 or older; physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another; expecting to be absent from the community in which you are registered for the entire time the polls will be open on Election Day; in jail awaiting arraignment or trial; unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons or will be working as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence. Applications for an absentee ballot should be submitted to the voter’s local clerk.

Voters with absentee ballots are encouraged to put those ballots in the mail by Tuesday, July 31 to ensure timely delivery. Those who wish to receive their absentee ballot by mail must submit their application by 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6. Voters who request an absentee ballot in person on Monday, Aug. 6, must fill out the ballot in the clerk’s office. Emergency absentee ballots are available under certain conditions through 4 p.m. on Election Day.

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