Election FAQ's

I'm going to be out of town on election Day.  How can I vote?

Can anybody vote absentee?

How do I get an absentee ballot?

Can I vote an absentee ballot if I registered by mail?

When is the deadline to get an absentee ballot?

How are the absentee ballots counted?

How do I know you received my absentee ballot?

How do I find out if I'm registered to vote?

Can I still register to vote?

I haven't voted in a while.  Will my voter registration be cancelled?

I moved out of town. Can I still vote in Delhi Township?

I recently moved within Delhi Township.  Did that change my polling location?

I've never voted before.  Are there instructions anywhere so I can be prepared?

What type of voting equipment does Delhi Township use?

Are there sample ballots so I can be familiar with the ballot ahead of time?

Can I bring a sample ballot or a list of my own that I marked to help me mark my official ballot?

Can I write in somebody's name for an office?

How do I find out where I vote?

Do I need to show Identification when I vote?

Do I need to bring my voter registration card when I vote?

What hours are the polls open?

If I'm in line when the polls close can I still vote?

I have a disability.  Will I be accommodated at the polls?

I need assistance to vote.  Can I bring someone to help me?

Can bring my children with me in the voting booth?

Can I wear my campaign button when I vote?

Is campaigning allowed at the polls?

Is exit polling allowed at the precincts?

 

Q: I'm going to be out of town on Election Day.  How can I vote?

A: If you're going to be out of town on Election Day you can vote an absentee ballot.

Click here for an absentee ballot application

 

Q: Can anybody vote absentee?

A: Michigan Election law stipulates six reasons a voter can cast an absentee ballot.  1. If you are 60 years of age or older, 2. You are physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another, 3. You've been appointed a precinct worker in a precinct other than your own, 4. You expect to be absent from the community the entire time the polls are open on Election Day, 5. You cannot attend the polls because of the tenants of your religion or 6. You cannot attend the polls because you are confined to jail awaiting arraignment or trial.

If you have any doubt at all about making it to the polls, request an absentee ballot.  If you are eligible to vote by absentee ballot, but usually vote in person, please consider voting absentee to help reduce the long lines that are anticipated.

Click here for an absentee ballot application

 

Q: How do I get an absentee ballot?

A: Click here for an absentee ballot application.  You can also send a written request with your reason and signature.  Send your application or request to

Evan Hope
Township Clerk
Delhi Charter Township
2074 Aurelius Road
Holt MI  48842

Q: Can I vote an absentee ballot if I registered by mail?

A: If you have never voted in Michigan and registered by mail (or with another party at a voter registration drive) You must appear in person to vote in the first election you wish to participate. This requirement does not apply if (1) you personally had delivered a mail in registration to the Delhi Township Clerk's Office or Ingham County Clerk's Office instead of mailing the form (2) you are 60 years of age or older (3) you are disabled or (4) you are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

 

Q: I am in the military.  How do I register to vote and request an absentee ballot?

A: Members of the military and their spouses and dependents may register to vote at their last residence in Michigan. These voters are exempt from the registration deadline established for an election. The easiest way such voters can register to vote is by using a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA serves as both a voter registration application and an absentee ballot request. The FPCA is available online. The voter simply completes the form and mails it the clerk of the city or township where he or she last resided. Voters can find their clerk's address by using the Department's Voter Information Center. The Delhi Township Clerks address is:

Evan Hope
Township Clerk
Delhi Charter Township
2074 Aurelius Road
Holt MI  48842

 

Q: When is the deadline to get an absentee ballot?

A: The last day to obtain absentee ballots by mail is Saturday, November 1, 2008.  The Clerk's Office will be open on November 1 from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for absentee voting.

Voters may also vote an absentee ballot in person at the Clerk's Office on Monday, November 3, 2008.

Only emergency absentee ballot can be issued on Election Day.

 

Q: How are the absentee ballots counted?

A: Absentee ballots are counted just like regular ballots.  All absentee ballots are counted in every election.  Absentee ballots are kept sealed and secured in the Clerk's Office until they are ready to be processed by Election Inspectors on Election Day. 

 

Q: How do I know you received my absentee ballot?

A: You can track your absentee ballot with A-VOTE (Absent Voter Online Tracking Engine).  You can check to see that your ballot has been mailed and once you return your ballot you can check to see when it has been received and recorded.

 

Q: How do I find out if I'm registered to vote?

A: Click here to visit the Michigan Voter Information Center and check your registration.  Or you can email your name and address or call 694-2135.

 

Q: Can I still register to vote for the November 4 Election?

A: The deadline to register for the November 4, 2008 Election was October 6, 2008.

Members of the military and their spouses and dependents may register to vote at their last residence in Michigan. These voters are exempt from the registration deadline established for an election. The easiest way such voters can register to vote is by using a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA serves as both a voter registration application and an absentee ballot request. The FPCA is available online. The voter simply completes the form and mails it the clerk of the city or township where he or she last resided. Voters can find their clerk's address by using the Department's Voter Information Center. The Delhi Township Clerks address is:

Evan Hope
Township Clerk
Delhi Charter Township
2074 Aurelius Road
Holt MI  48842

 

Q: I haven't voted in a while.  Will my voter registration be cancelled?

A: Voter registration does not expire if you choose not to vote.  However, If the a voter registration card or change of address card was sent and returned as undeliverable by the post office because you are no longer at that address AND you do not vote in two federal Elections your voter registration may be cancelled.

Click here to visit the Michigan Voter Information Center and check your registration.

 

Q: I moved out of town. Can I still vote in Delhi Township?

A: If the move was made within 60 days of the election and you have not registered in your new city or township, you can still vote one last time in Delhi Township.  You will be asked to complete a cancellation authorization.

 

Q: I recently moved within Delhi Township.  Did that change my polling location?

A: If you moved within Delhi Township but did not update your driver license or voter registration or the move was made after the close of registration you will still vote in your old precinct.  You will be asked to complete an Election Day Change of Address form. 

 

Q: I've never voted before.  Are there instructions anywhere so I can be prepared?

A: Click here to watch a quick video about the voting process and the correct way to mark your ballot.

Delhi Township utilizes optical scan voting.  When you insert your ballot in the tabulator your vote is registered.  This equipment will also let you know if you made a mistake like voting for too many candidates in any particular office, or splitting your ticket in a primary election.

To make a vote just connect the broken arrow next to the candidate or choice you want.  Special marking pens will be provided at your polling location, but anything but red ink will work.  As long as you make a mark inside the broken arrow, your vote will count.

Below are examples of valid votes:

Even though it may be clear what the voter's intent is in the examples below, they do NOT count. Michigan Election Law stipulates that a mark must be made in the target area.

Below are examples of invalid votes:

If you make a mistake notify and election inspector and they will issue you a new ballot. If you are voting an absentee ballot and you make a mistake, be sure to call the Clerk's office at 694-2135 for a new ballot.

 

Q: What type of voting equipment does Delhi Township use?

A: Delhi Township uses optical scan ballot technology.  This system allows voters to be notified if they make a mistake, tabulates ballots as they are inserted in the machine and has a paper backup of what the voter marked.  This is the first Presidential Election in which this system will be used.  So even if you've voted before, this system might be new to you. Click here to watch a quick video about the voting process and the correct way to mark your ballot.

 

Q: Are there sample ballots so I can be familiar with the ballot ahead of time?

A: A sample ballot is available online.  A sample ballot was also included in fall edition of DelHi Neighbor!, the township's quarterly newsletter.  Sample ballots are also posted at the polling locations.  Sometimes the ballot can get quite lengthy, so study it ahead of time.  You don't want to end up in the voting booth only to realize you aren't aware of the various candidates and proposals on the ballot.

 

Q: Can I bring a sample ballot or a list of my own that I marked to help me mark my official ballot?

A: Yes. You can use the sample ballot to mark ahead of time and bring it with you to the polls.  You can bring your own lists or information to help you mark your ballot. However, anything bearing campaign information must be concealed.

 

Q: Can I write in somebody's name for an office?

A: In order for a write-in vote to count the person must be a declared write-in candidate.  Votes for persons who do not have a Declaration of Intent on file will not count.  There are blank spaces in each office for write-ins.  Not only must you write the name of the person but you must also connect the arrow.

 

Q: How do I find out where I vote?

A: Your voter ID card indicates your polling location and address.  The table below lists all precincts and polling locations for Delhi Township.  If you are not sure of your precinct, click here.

Delhi Township polling locations

 

Q: Do I need to show Identification when I vote?

A: Due to a recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling regarding a Michigan law passed in 1996, ALL voters are now required to show photo identification to vote at the polls. Voters must comply with the requirement by showing picture identification or signing an affidavit attesting that he or she is not in possession of picture identification.  (See MCL 168.523 for picture identification requirement)

Accepted forms of photo identification are:

 

Q: Do I need to bring my voter registration card when I vote?

A: You do not need your voter registration card.  It is helpful though for Election Inspectors to use it to find your name on the precinct list quicker.

 

Q: What hours are the polls open?

A: The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  If you are in line by 8:00 p.m. you will be able to vote.  But to avoid any problems, never wait until the last minute.  The busiest times are first thing in the morning, during the lunch hour and after 5:00 p.m.  If at all possible avoid these times to keep from waiting in line.

 

Q: If I'm in line when the polls close can I still vote?

A: Yes, if you are in line by 8:00 p.m. you will be able to vote.  But to avoid any problems, never wait until the last minute.

 

Q: I have a disability.  Will I be accommodated at the polls?

A: Yes.  The polling locations are handicap accessible.  Also, at each polling locating there is a Voter Assist Terminal (VAT)called AutoMARK. The VAT is designed for use by voters with disabilities, but may be used by any voter, at his or her request.  The VAT marks the ballot for you by selecting choices on screen or with brail keypads.  The VAT has head phones, so you can listen to instructions and hear your selections.  Your personal Puff-Sip device, stylus or footpad will all work with the VAT. Now everybody can vote a secret ballot.

 

Q: I need assistance to vote.  Can I bring someone to help me?

A: Yes.  If you are unable to vote without the assistance of another, you can designate a person to assist you.  Also, at each polling locating there is a Voter Assist Terminal (VAT)called AutoMARK. The VAT is designed for use by voters with disabilities, but may be used by any voter, at his or her request.  The VAT marks the ballot for you by selecting choices on screen or with brail keypads.  The VAT has head phones, so you can listen to instructions and hear your selections.  Your personal Puff-Sip device, stylus or footpad will all work with the VAT. Now everybody can vote a secret ballot.

 

Q: Can bring my children with me in the voting booth?

A: Yes.  Teaching children about the voting process is a great experience. Other adults are not allowed with you in the voting booth unless you are unable to vote without the assistance of another.

 

Q: Can I wear my campaign button when I vote?

A: No.  Campaign buttons, shirts or anything bearing campaign information must be concealed.

 

Q: Is campaigning allowed at the polls?

A: Yes. However, campaigning must be at lest 100 feet from the entrance of the building being used by voters.  Vehicles bearing campaign information (i.e., bumper stickers) may park within 100 feet only while the occupants are voting.

 

Q: Is exit polling allowed at the precincts?

A: Yes.  Exit pollsters are persons employed to survey electors after they have voted.  Pollsters must remain 20 feet from the entrance of the building.  Pollsters may not enter the building or question persons entering the building.