Up North Progressive

As of June 30, 2018, there are 7,374,190 registered voters in the state of Michigan. Residents who want to vote in the August 7, 2018 primary have until July 9 to register.

What some people may not be aware of yet is that states under GOP control have resorted to various methods of purging voter rolls and gerrymandering election districts to make it harder for people to vote. It’s a fact that when fewer people vote, Republicans win. Making it more difficult for people to vote ensures Republicans hold on to elected office despite the majority of residents living in their districts not belonging to the same party or no party at all.

What can we do to eliminate these voter suppression tactics? It’s not only important to register to vote if you haven’t done so yet, but if you haven’t voted in a while make sure you are registered to vote. Fortunately, the Michigan Secretary of State makes this easy for people with internet access to check. Click this link, and you will go to a page where you fill in a simple form and receive information on where you vote, and a sample ballot. In the primary, you can only choose one party’s ballot to vote. Make sure your ballot is for the Democratic Party.

There will be candidates to vote for in federal, state, and local elections. You may also have ballot proposals for millage renewals for local services like the public library or public transport, for example. Vote yes on those renewals. They provide vital services people rely on every day.

The last day to register to vote in the August 7, 2018 primary is July 9, 2018. If you need help, contact your local Democratic Party office and they will be more than happy to help you check your registration status and provide you with a voter registration form. Local public libraries are also holding voter registration events, so check there too.

Don’t forget to register by July 9, 2018, to vote in the August 7, 2018, primary election!