What Every Voter Should Know

Voting is easy!  Voting is fun. Voting is part of the Democratic way.  But being prepared on Election Day can help assure you that it will be a smooth process.

Vote Absentee

If you are going to be out of town on Election Day be sure to get an absentee ballot.  You can also vote absentee if you are 60 years of age, are physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another, have been appointed an election inspector in a precinct other than your own, or can not attend the polls because of the tenants of your religion.  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

Track the status of your absentee ballot
and rest assured that your vote counts!

Know your polling location

The first thing you should know is where your polling location is.  The table below lists all precincts and polling locations for Delhi Township.  If you are not sure of your precinct, click here.

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.

Photo ID is now required

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)

• Driver's license or personal identification card issued by Michigan or another state

• Federal or state government issued photo identification

• US passport

• Military identification card with photo

• Student identification with photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education.

• Tribal identification card with photo

The identification requirement does not apply to persons voting by absentee ballot.

For more information about the new Photo ID requirement or information about how to get a Michigan identification card, please visit the Secretary of State's web site.

Study the ballot ahead of time

Sometimes the ballot can get quite lengthy.  Click here to view a sample ballot.  Don't end up in the voting booth only to realize you aren't aware of the various candidates and proposals on the ballot.

Know how 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 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.

Click here to watch a video about
optical scan voting procedures

Delhi Township polling locations