When 9,483 registered voters head to one of 14 precincts in Mackinac County to cast their ballots in the Tuesday, August 5, primary election, they will be voting along party lines, as required by state law.

Voters will not have to request a specific party ballot when registering, rather they must vote a straight party ticket, choosing either all Republican or all Democratic candidates. Casting votes for both Republican and Democratic candidates invalidates the partisan section of the ballot.

Other political candidates, including those with the independent and green parties, will appear on the November 4 general election ballot.

In addition to narrowing the field of candidates who will be on the November ballot, Bois Blanc Township, Hendricks Township, and Portage Township will have local ballot proposals to be considered by voters August 5. (See The St. Ignace News July 24 issue for proposal details. Profiles of candidates were also published July 24.)

Voters still can vote by absentee ballot in the August primary and may request a ballot by mail as late as Saturday, August 2, at 2 p.m. from their local clerk's office. They also can vote in the clerk's office as late as 4 p.m. Monday, August 4. These options are available to those who meet one of the following conditions: are 60 years old or older, unable to vote without assistance at the poll, will be out of town on election day, are in jail awaiting arrangement, are unable to go to the polls due to religious reasons, or are appointed to work on election day and assigned to a precinct outside their voting area.

For people with disabilities, an Automark Voter Assist Terminal will be available at each of the county's precincts. The machine is designed to be accessible to those who are blind, visually impaired, or who cannot mark a ballot in the usual way.

The polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Voters can check to see if they are registered and view a sample ballot online at www.michigan. gov/vote.