December 3, 2019

Online Voter Registration is Live

We are pleased to announce that the Online Voter Registration website is now available and can be found at www.Michigan.gov/Vote by selecting the “Register to Vote” option located on the left panel of the page. The tool can also be reached directly by going to www.Michigan.gov/VoterRegistration. Residents across the state can take advantage of this convenient way of registering to vote. Current voters can easily change their address using this website.

Registering to vote has never been easier and can be accomplished by navigating five easy screens:

• Welcome screen
• Qualifications
• Personal information
• Address
• Congratulations screen with receipt option

To use this convenient website, visitors must currently have a Michigan Driver’s License or Personal Identification Card and qualify to vote in the state of Michigan (i.e., citizen, age, residency).

New registrations and changes of addresses will be passed to the Qualified Voter File (QVF) in real time! Because the online registration system requires the voter to provide all information necessary for voter registration and uses the voter’s electronic signature (already on file with the Secretary of State), there will be no need to track down voters who have provided incomplete forms. The site also enables (but does not require) voters to provide their e-mail address or phone number, which we will expect will result in more voters providing this contact information to clerks. Your Inbox and the Voter Registration History tab will display the user name “MVIC” as the source of these transactions.

The website utilizes responsive design meaning that it can be used on any computer, tablet, and smart phone. We encourage you to share information about this tool and promote its use. Additional features will be added in 2020.

If you experience or if voters report any errors or problems using Online Voter Registration, please promptly report those issues to Elections@Michigan.gov.

November Election Data Series #3

This is the third in a series of data sharing communications with a summary of the voting activity for the Nov. 5, 2019 election. These statistics are current as of Nov. 20.

The statistics show a slight increase in turnout and a significant increase in the percentage of votes that are cast absentee, rather than in precinct. This is consistent with previous findings in the May and August elections. Clerks should prepare for a significant increase in absentee ballots in 2020 elections.

IN THIS ISSUE

• Online Voter Registration is Live
• November Election Data Series #3
• Updated on March/November AV Applications
• Presidential Primary Series
• BOE Question of the Week

Update on March/November AV Applications

Last week the Bureau provided guidance on the requirements of the Michigan Election Law regarding AV applications for March– specifically, that a March/November dual application is required. The online application published by the Bureau of Elections reflects that guidance.

Since that guidance was issued, we have heard several clerks express the concern that they were already well into their preparation for the March presidential primary, and the timing of the guidance would make it difficult for clerks to administer a required dual application for March.  Although the Bureau’s view on the requirements of the Michigan Election Law is unchanged, for this election the Bureau will not be directing clerks to cease using March-only applications if clerks have already developed those applications. If clerks receive applications from voters that don’t include the dual application, clerks should not reject those; clerks may accept either March-only or March/November applications. We will have further direction on the required August/November dual application well in advance of when those applications should be prepared for that election cycle.

Presidential Primary The following is the third in a series of articles regarding the March 10, 2020 presidential primary. Mailing AV Applications Many of the state's permanent absentee voters spend their winters in another state. This will require some extra effort when it comes time to send their AV application for the Presidential Primary. Things to note: The use of bulk mail permits will not allow mail to be forwarded AV applications are forwardable mail. You should consider removing any "return to sender" information printed on your AV application envelopes Mail permanent AV applications a week or two earlier than your normal time frame Emphasize to the voter the need for a proper mailing address on the application. Ballots are not forwardable mail. Process returned mail with care and as soon as possible upon its return Use the communication channels available to your jurisdiction to communicate with these voters now (including e-mail addresses and phone numbers).  Encourage them to plan ahead by using your website, social media, or printed media options (newsletters, tax inserts, water bills, etc.). New AV Envelopes Given the change in AV envelopes for 2020, the Bureau of Elections has created an insert that may be used to inform voters that they will see a new AV envelope when they receive their ballot.  The AV application insert can be found in the eLearning Center. Frequently Asked Questions The following guides have been created for the 2020 Presidential Primary to assist in answering the questions of clerks and voters. - Questions and Answers: Michigan's Presidential Primary - for voters - Election Official Questions and Answers: Michigan's Presidential Primary Website Visit the BOE's 2020 Presidential Primary Information webpage for additional information on the conduct of the March 10, 2020 Presidential Primary.

BOE Question of the Week: Is it too late to register for Train the Trainer? Answer: No - space is still available in most sessions. If you're a jurisdiction with more than 10,000 in population and train your election inspectors or a county clerk/staff member required by law to conduct training, sign up in the eLearning Center today. Have a question you'd like to see in the Question of the Week?  Send it to Elections@Michigan.gov.

Helpful Links