Land Estimates Voter Turnout at Around 3.8 Million for Nov. 2 General Election

LANSING, MI - Saturday, October 30, 2010 - Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land this week estimated that 3.8 million voters will cast ballots in Tuesday’s general election, equaling 52 percent of Michigan ’s registered voters.

“This election represents a prime opportunity for voters to affect the direction of their state and local communities for the next several years. With more than 95 percent of eligible residents registered to vote here in Michigan , it’s time for those voters to speak up,” Land said. “I encourage everyone to make their voices heard by casting a ballot on November 2nd.”

Turnout is calculated by studying absent voter activity, past turnouts in gubernatorial elections, voter involvement and information from local officials.

Currently there are 7,276,237 residents who are registered and eligible to vote. This compares to the 2006 gubernatorial election, in which there were 7,180,778 registered voters. In that election, 3.85 million voters cast ballots. That was the largest turnout in a gubernatorial year general election, although a higher percentage of voters cast ballots in 1962, 1966 and 1970.

Residents can view a copy of their sample ballot, find their polling place and locate their local clerk at www.Michigan.gov/vote. They can also learn about obtaining an absentee ballot, track the status of an absentee ballot they have requested, and find out more about voting equipment.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will be busiest before and after work. Residents are reminded that avoiding peak times may help them vote more quickly.

When going to the polls, residents are again reminded of the voter identification requirement. They will be asked to present photo ID at the polls, such as a Michigan driver’s license or identification card.

Voters who don’t have a Michigan driver’s license or identification card can show the following forms of photo ID, as long as they are current:

• Driver’s license or personal identification card issued by another state
• Federal or state government-issued photo identification
• U.S. passport
• Military identification card with photo
• Student identification with photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education, such as a college or university
• Tribal identification card with photo.

Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID or failed to bring it with them to the polls can still vote. They will sign a brief affidavit stating that they’re not in possession of a photo ID. Their ballots will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.

The Secretary of State’s office will post unofficial election returns, as they are available, on its Web site. Go to www.Michigan.gov/sos and click on “Elections in Michigan .”