Secretary Land Announces Voter Registration Numbers

95.5 percent of eligible residents are registered to vote

LANSING, MI - Monday, October 18, 2010 - Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today that 7.28 million Michigan residents have registered to vote. That amounts to 95.5 percent of the voting age population.

“With such an important election ahead, I’m pleased that so many people have registered to vote,” said Land, Michigan ’s chief elections officer. “Now the next step is to cast a ballot on Nov. 2, either in person or by absentee ballot if you qualify. Everyone is encouraged to make their voice heard by voting.”

Registration has climbed slowly throughout the year. In January, 7.21 million Michigan residents were registered to vote. By July, that number had risen to 7.24 million. These numbers are higher than in the 2006 gubernatorial election. That year, 7.18 million people were registered to vote.

The deadline to register for the November 2nd election was October 4th.

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.

Land encouraged voters to visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote for information on absentee ballots and Michigan ’s voter identification law. Residents will find a map to their local polling place and be able to print a sample ballot. They will also find information on voting equipment and contacting their local clerk. In addition, they can track the progress of their absentee ballot.

To view a list of county registration statistics [CLICK HERE].

Additional information is available on the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.