KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — City Commissioners are reminding citizens that absentee ballots are now available for the March 10 election.
During a meeting of City Commissioners on Monday, February 3, City Clerk Scott Borling explained the ballot process and election.
Although they are now available in the City Clerk’s Office, several of these ballots have already been mailed out.
“We’ve sent out about 2,300 ballots already, and that’s to people that had submitted the absentee ballot request form,” Borling said.
Borling says that the envelopes containing the ballots will appear slightly different than in the past.
“The new envelope looks a little more sleek and modern compared to the old orange / goldenrod envelopes, so I just wanted people to be aware that it will have a different look, but it’s the same ballot inside.”
Since the March 10 election will serve as the Presidential Primary, voters will have a few different ballots available – one with presidential candidates for the Democratic party, one for the Republican party, and one for citizens who don’t want to vote in the primary, but want to vote on local issues such as the proposed transit tax increase.
“That separation, having different ballots, by law, is a requirement that you have to indicate which ballot you want in writing,” Borling said. “That’s throwing some people off because they’re getting their absentee ballot request form, and on the form, they have to select a ballot. That is just for this election only, and their selection does not impact who they can vote for in November.”
Voters are reminder that they cannot vote on both sides of the Primary. Only one ballot per citizen is permitted.
Voters have until Friday, March 6th, or the Friday before the election to request absentee ballots.
“In terms of being able to send a form to us and us mail a ballot to you, that’s 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election,” Borling said. “In terms of voting in person [with an absentee ballot], voting in person will happen the Saturday before the election from 8 to 4.”
Voters can also obtain an absentee ballot from the City Clerk’s office the day before the election and vote at that time.
Borling is also warning about time sensitivity of the forms in regards to sending by mail.
“You want to think about the logistics,” Borling said. “If we’re mailing a ballot out on Friday, are you gonna be able to get it in time and return it before 8 p.m. on election day? We try to really work with people in their situation to try and get their request form back in a timely fashion so we can get that ballot out to them as soon as possible.”
Borling also clarified the differences between the elections through the year 2020 at the request of Commissioner Chris Praedel.
“The March 10 Primary is the first of two primaries in the State of Michigan in 2020,” Borling said. “This first primary is just for the presidential candidates. In August, there will be another primary election, and that will be for all of the other partisan candidates. We’re talking state representatives, U.S. Congress, county commission, things like that. Voters will see a ballot for primary election in August.”
Additionally, there will be an election in May.
“There’s gonna be a ballot question, I forget what agency is gonna have that question, but there’s gonna be a ballot question in May, and then of course, the presidential election, the general election in November,” Borling said.
Citizens are also asked to consider signing up to volunteer with the city as a poll worker, officially known as an election inspector.
“We’re looking for people who have good customer service skills because you’re having to work with people all day,” Borling said. “In recent years, it’s become increasingly important for people to have computer skills, as we have electronic poll books. Having a comfort level there is helpful.”
Citizens must live in Michigan and be at least 18 years old to qualify. Applications can be filled out at the City Clerk’s Office.
