2020  – November 3: State General including Presidential **

ELECTION NEWS        

The Bessemer Township Hall is the polling location for all township residents to come to for elections.  Elections regarding schools, millage, local, state and federal offices all take place at the Township Hall.

SAMPLE BALLOTS are available prior to each election and can be obtained through the Clerk’s Office.

ELECTION WORKERS: If you are interested in becoming an election worker, a paid position, please contact the Clerk for more information.

**Remember that you can vote ABSENTEE by requesting a ballot be sent prior to   October 30th .  There are also emergency absentee situations that I’ll be happy to help with.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me during this COVID-19 situation.

Masks will be encouraged.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN MICHIGAN?                                                        

In order to vote in Michigan you must be:

• A citizen of the United States
• At least 18 years of age by election day
• A resident of Michigan for at least 30 days
• Have registered at least 30 days prior to the election in which you wish to vote

WHERE CAN I REGISTER TO VOTE?              

You may register at any of the following locations:

• At the office of your City, Township or County Clerk
• At the branch office of the Secretary of State when you obtain or change the address on your driver’s license
• On the internet under: www.michigan.gov/sos under the “Elections in Michigan” and “Information for Voters” heading

WHEN DO I CHANGE MY REGISTRATION?

Whenever you move within or outside Bessemer Township.

• You can send a notice to the Clerk’s office by mail or phone
• Change your address at the branch office of the Secretary of State [Remember to register in your new city/township].

WHERE DO I VOTE?

All voters must vote in the polling place designated to serve the precinct in which they live.  The location is noted on your voter ID card or you can call the Clerk’s  Office at 906-667-0019.

WHEN ARE THE POLLS OPEN?

Polls are open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. on the date of election.  Anyone in line to vote at 8:00 p.m. is still eligible to vote.

WHEN CAN I VOTE ABSENTEE?

You can apply for absentee anytime prior to upcoming elections. Don’t forget you can become a “permanent” absentee voter also. Just check the box.  AND you don’t have to have a reason to want to vote in this way.

HOW DO I OBTAIN AN ABSENTEE BALLOT?

Requests for applications are to be made in writing and can be obtained by calling the Clerk’s Office (906-667-0019) or email at btclerk@bessemertwp.com for the appropriate forms.  These are available approximately 6 weeks prior to any election.  The Clerk holds special hours to ensure the availability of the absentee ballot.  Be sure to watch the Daily Globe newspaper for special hours prior to actual election day.

Also you can get your absentee application by visiting:

www.michigan.gov/sos and select ELECTIONS.

If you wish, you may also bring someone along to vote with you to aid you in the process.

ARE THERE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE  VOTING EQUIPMENT?

Yes, Bessemer Township is handicap     accessible for entrance into the building as well as set-up for various physical handicaps.  Voters may choose to use the Voter Assist voting equipment  (new for the 2018 elections) if hearing, vision or mobility is an issue.  Please ask for assistance when using this new equipment.