Voters have until Monday, January 30, to register to vote in the Tuesday, February 28, presidential primary election.

The polls will be open on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To register, applicants must be at least 18 years old by election day and be U.S. citizens. Applicants must also be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register.

Voters may register by mail, at their county, city, or township clerk’s office, or by visiting any Secretary of State office. The mailin form is available online at www.Michigan. gov/ elections. First-time voters who register by mail must vote in person in their first election, unless they hand-deliver the application to their local clerk, are 60 years old or older, are disabled, or are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

Voters who qualify may choose to cast an absentee ballot. Registered voters may obtain an absentee ballot if they are:

Age 60 or older.

Physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another.

Expecting to be absent from the community for the entire time the polls will be open on Election Day.

In jail awaiting arraignment or trial.

Unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons.

Appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of the precinct of residence.

Those who wish to receive their absentee ballot by mail must submit their application by 2 p.m. Saturday, February 25. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. Monday, February 27. Voters who request an absentee ballot in person Monday, February 27, must fill out the ballot in the clerk’s office. Emergency absentee ballots are available under certain conditions through 4 p.m. on election day.

The February election, like all elections, is open to all registered voters. Michigan does not require voters to register as a member or supporter of a political party, so voters can choose to participate in either the democratic or republican party primary. By state law, this is called a “closed primary.” When voters request an absentee ballot or arrive at the polls and fill out their application to vote, they must indicate in which party’s primary they wish to vote. They will then receive a ballot listing candidates for that party. That ballot will also contain any special election issues.

The August 7 primary will be an open primary, and voters will not be required to formally indicate their choice for a specific political party ballot.

As a reminder, voters will be asked to provide identification when at the polls on election day. They will be asked to present valid photo identification, such as a Michigan driver’s license or identification card. Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo identification or failed to bring it with them to the polls can still vote. They will be required to sign a brief affidavit stating that they’re not in possession of photo identification. Their ballots will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.